As 2025 Ends: A Message of Gratitude & Unity

Shabbat Shalom!

Each week, Shabbat invites us to pause, to take cheshbon hanefesh, an accounting of the soul and to notice the blessings that so often rush past us during our daily tasks. The Talmud teaches, “Who is wise? One who recognizes what is before them.”

As we celebrate this final Shabbat of 2025, I find myself deeply reflective about my personal and professional journey, the year behind us, the year that lies ahead, and the people and blessings I’ve been surrounded by along the way.

It can be easy to overlook a blessing. I certainly often miss them in the moment, but sometimes I am fortunate to recognize their impact later.

Two years ago, during Purim, Nora asked if there would be a Purim parade in the suburb where we lived, since there were local parades for July 4th, Halloween, and football games. I responded by saying that if all the Jews in Birmingham marched in a Purim parade, there would be no one left to watch. Without missing a beat, Nora said, “Abba, it’s time to move where there are more Jews.”

In that flash of youthful wisdom, she articulated a truth our tradition has long understood: Judaism is meant to be lived in community. Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh; we are responsible for one another. Fast forward to today, and here we are, all because of one insightful conversation on a Sunday morning.

Nora has filled our lives with so many blessings, but one that will always stand out was her ability, at only 10 years old, to jump fully into our move to St. Louis. She left behind her school, her neighborhood, and all the friends she had ever known, so that we could live a fuller Jewish life.

And my husband, Andrew, has been a blessing for the last 23 years, as he has allowed me to pursue a meaningful life rooted in purpose, service, and Jewish values. He has joined me, patiently and faithfully, on what can only be described as a beautiful and sometimes crazy adventure.

Most of all, this community, which feels more like home every day, is a blessing.

This year, we gathered for holidays and community events. We experienced profound joy with the return of hostages. We felt heartbreak in the wake of antisemitic violence. And yet, repeatedly, we have shown resilience simply by showing up.

We have shown up for each other.
We have shown up in solidarity.
We have shown up to protect, to comfort, to celebrate, and to build.

Through the Federation, with our agencies, synagogues, schools, and organizations, we have acted. Investing in security, strengthening Jewish identity, and ensuring that our community remains vibrant, sustainable, and worthy of the generations who will inherit it from us. As Pirkei Avot reminds us, “It is not upon you to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” We have chosen not to desist.

As we enter 2026 and Federation’s 125th year in St. Louis, I have one request:

Lean in. Let’s move from “me” to “we,” from “you” and “them” to “us.”  

Get involved. Help our Jewish St. Louis thrive in all the ways we know possible, and in ways that we’ll discover together. Let us leave our politics and denominational labels at the door and recommit to the idea that what binds us is far stronger than what pulls us apart. Our community is historic and beautifully complex, made up of many voices, backgrounds, and expressions of Jewish life. Our strength has always come from that diversity, grounded in shared responsibility and mutual respect.

Together, let us rebuild where renewal is needed, reshape what no longer serves us, and reimagine a future rooted in Jewish values, courage, and hope. May we be a community that would fill our ancestors with pride and provide our children will the tools to proudly shape it for the generations that follow them.

May this Shabbat bring rest, renewal, and the quiet confidence that we are doing this sacred work together.