Right now, the trees are beginning to blossom, early flowers are pushing through the earth and the weather will soon get warmer. Spring is often described as a time of rebirth, renewal and awakening. For the Federation, the meaning of Spring is much of the same. Our Jewish Federation values: Tikkun Olam – Repairing the World, Tzedakah – Justice, Fairness, and Righteous Giving, and Gemilut Hasadim – Acts of Loving Kindness relate to Spring so much. 

We are now entering one full year of this pandemic and what a year it has been. At this time last year, we were not sure if we would be able to raise the necessary funds to support our mission. We made the strategic and thoughtful decision to move forward with our Annual Campaign because we had faith that our community would step up during a much-needed time. I am so proud to announce that our 2020 Annual Campaign surpassed its goal for a second year in a row of raising more than $4 million. We can add to our Annual Campaign number the additional support that we raised for the community through the Community Relief Fund bringing the total raised to almost $4.9 Million. (See more information on the 2020 Annual Campaign on pages 4 and 5.) THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. Your generosity has been inspiring. Your support has impacted the lives of so many who have been affected by the pandemic and your leadership helped us continue to move our community forward. Your acts of loving kindness – your gift to the Federation - will help us repair the world and support those in need.

This exceptional feat during a hard year should be a reminder to all of us of Kehilla, a Hebrew word meaning Community. It is the center of everything we do; why we come together and why we invest in the impact of working with others. While we continue to fundraise in 2021, our continued mission is to engage our community through purposeful programming and connection no matter your Jewish journey. The Federation has the unique opportunity to think about the entire Jewish community and we are the hub that can help all of the pieces of our Jewish community connect together. (See what programs and celebrations are happening across our Jewish organizations throughout this magazine and online at www.jewishindianapolis.org/connect-with-purpose.) 

We know that there are so many reasons why you support the Jewish Federation. You might be looking for programs that connect you to your peers. A family looking for educational opportunities. A new person in town looking to get involved. Someone who is interested in supporting those in need. Combatting antisemitism or keeping our community safe. Regardless of the reason, your support makes sure our Jewish Federation, agencies and organizations are not only existing in our community for everyone but thriving. As we kick off our 2021 Annual Campaign, think about your Jewish values and why you give. We hope we can count on your continued support in 2021 with a meaningful gift - no matter the size - to our Federation. Let’s begin Spring anew, and Move Forward for a better future.