Dear Friends,
As we prepare to welcome Shabbat, I find myself reflecting on the sacred responsibility we all share in sustaining Jewish life here in St. Louis. Federation is proud to play an important role in this journey, as our team works week after week, year after year, to serve as a convener, a connector, and a catalyst, helping strengthen the fabric of our community through our partnerships with more than 45 incredible local agencies. Together, with your generosity to the Annual Campaign each year, we feed the hungry, educate our children, care for our seniors, nurture Jewish identity, and ensure a vibrant Jewish future.
And yet, we live in a time when we must also carry an additional responsibility: the safety and security of our community. Increasing threats of antisemitism demand that we invest more than ever in securing our synagogues, schools, agencies, and gathering spaces. Every dollar we are forced to divert to security is a dollar that cannot be used for scholarships, meals, counseling, or Jewish experiences.
The Torah teaches us in Parashat Nitzavim: “You stand this day, all of you, before the Lord your God…” Our tradition reminds us that we are bound together as one people responsible for one another’s well-being and future. To stand together today means ensuring both the safety and success of our community tomorrow.
That is why our Annual Campaign is so critical. This year, our goal is to raise $10 million—a bold but essential investment that requires all of us to step forward, to give generously, and to recognize that our individual commitments are what enable the collective strength of Jewish St. Louis. We are inspired by those who shaped our community for us, and it is now our time to take action for our children and grandchildren to stand upon.
As Shabbat brings us rest and renewal, may it also bring us clarity: that our Federation exists for one purpose—to ensure Jewish life thrives for generations to come. We can’t do it without your support. Please join me.
Wishing each of you a restful and meaningful Shabbat.
Shabbat Shalom
Danny Cohn
President & CEO
Jewish Federation of St. Louis