From the Desk of the Federation Leadership: “Showing up” for one another

By Suzanne Holwitt and Shelley Hubal

“It’s when the winds blow the hardest that you need the deepest roots.” – Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
Dear friends, the wind is blowing like a hurricane. We are seeing antisemitism spread rapidly and viciously all over the world. The Bondi Beach m…

From the Desk of the Federation Executive Director: With Gratitude 10/10/25

By Shelley Hubal

Is it possible to do something simple and have the impact be profound? The answer is, yes. Recently, the students at Hillel Academy did exactly that. 
These young students created beautiful, cheerful Rosh Hashanah cards for Jewish Family Service. These special cards – de…

From the Desk of the Federation Executive Director: With Gratitude 08/22/25

By Shelley Hubal

What connects us? In this moment, we are so divided it is hard to see where the connections remain. I am guilty of this; the headlines move fast and are difficult to consume. It is easy to be tired and angry and forget about our commonalities. 
In her commencement address …

From the Desk of the Federation Executive Director: With Gratitude 07/11/25

By Shelley Hubal

Our intention was to have a quiet hike on a beautiful summer afternoon. What happened instead was something much more profound. 
The event is called “The Many on the Genny.” This 45-mile race around Letchworth State Park is also known in the running world as an “ultr…

From the Desk of the Federation Executive Director: With Gratitude 05/09/25

By Shelley Hubal

Michael Bolton has brain cancer. I was scrolling on my phone and saw the news about the singer from the 1980s and ‘90s. His music was never to my liking; however, I am captivated by the strength and compassion he is demonstrating during this painful time in his life. He i…