שתתחדש שנה טובה ומתוקה
~Shetchadesh Shana Tova U’Metuka

On Rosh Hashanah, the tradition for many Ashkenazi Jews is to eat apples and honey. The blessing recited over those apples and honey is the phrase above, which translates to: “May you be renewed for a good and sweet year.”

The word renewed jumps off the page for me. At its core, Judaism teaches that we always have the opportunity to change, refresh ourselves and begin again. The concept of teshuva—often translated as repentance—is really about renewal. It is not about erasing who we are or starting from scratch. Rather, it is about recognizing who we are, reflecting honestly and striving to become better versions of ourselves.

Our Federation has experienced its own renewal. Several board members have concluded their terms, new leaders have joined the board and we have marked an important transition as Jan Levinson passed the gavel to Debbie Resnick as Board Chair. Renewal brings fresh perspectives, new ideas and new energy and we are grateful to those who have helped lead Federation while excited to welcome the leadership and perspectives that will shape our next chapter.

I am reminded of something former Chair Lou Plung once shared with me about leadership: our responsibility is to lead, strengthen the organization and community and then pass it on so the next leader can build even further. Thank you, Jan Levinson, for three years of inspired leadership, including guiding our community through the aftermath of the October 7 attack in southern Israel. And to Debbie, I wish you a term marked by wisdom, success and peace.

I was reminded of the importance of renewal again at the opening session of the Wechsler Young Leadership Institute. This signature Federation program helps educate young adults about our Federation, our community and their own leadership potential. Buddy and Jackie Wechsler established an endowment with the Federation for this program because they understood that a vibrant Jewish community depends on cultivating future leaders. Renewal is not automatic; it happens when we intentionally invest in the next generation.

At the opening session, I had the chance to speak with several participants. One I have known since childhood. Another, from Columbus, knew both my nephew and my daughter through USY. A third introduced herself and asked whether I was related to Joseph. When I told her he was my son, she shared that they also knew each other.

Those conversations left me feeling deeply optimistic. Seeing young adults—many the same age as my own children—step forward to engage with Federation is inspiring. It is certainly a sign of continuity, but it is also something more. It is renewal in action: new voices, new leadership and a new generation ready to help shape our community’s future.

Shabbat Shalom Shetchadesh Shana Tova U’Metuka.

Jeff Finkelstein
President & CEO