While sitting in my synagogue during Yom Kippur services, I reread the “Al Cheyt” prayer in English. As you probably know, during this prayer we ask for forgiveness for the transgressions WE have made. They are recited in the plural, not the singular. It is done so because we are a community apologizing for our collective sins, not just for our own personal sins.

As I read them, I was drawn by the one that says, “For the sin which we have committed before You in business dealings”.

As I struck my chest, I not only thought about our community and me personally, I thought about our Federation. I know we always try to be the best we can by being honest and transparent. Yet, at times, I know like any individual or entity, we make mistakes. I like to say that we are allowed to make mistakes, but we must learn from them in the hope of never repeating them.

Last night, the Federation celebrated amazing accomplishments at our Annual Meeting. We reviewed many of the impacts we are having in our community in the areas of children, young adults and seniors. We announced the greatest and most successful year in fundraising in all areas including our Foundation, Campaign and the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. And yet, I know we can do better and we can be better.

Thank you for trusting us as we continue to strive for the ever impossible goal of perfection. I know we’ll never achieve that elusive goal, but know that it is where we endeavor to be.

Shabbat Shalom and an early Chag Sameach for Sukkot beginning on Sunday night.