AJFCA has begun a strategic planning process that will result in a written plan directing the path of the Association for the next several years. Recognizing the importance of input from our member agencies to this process, we will be holding 3 regional focus group sessions and 4 focus group conference calls. During these sessions, we will examine the Association's strengths that we can build upon as well as areas of opportunity to improve our service to our members. Please click here for the schedule of sessions.

We have added a new page to the AJFCA website, "Highlights From Our Agencies." This page can be found under the "News" section, on the right hand side of the screen. You will find outstanding achievements accomplished by member agencies on this page.

Below are excerpts of the initial member agency highlights that we have posted. We hope you enjoy reading about the excellent work of your colleagues. If your agency has something to share with AJFCA and member agencies please email Megan Myers and we will post highlights about your agency. 

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Jewish Family and Children's Service of Boston premiered a short film which profiles the journey of three families who came to JFCS of Boston when they experienced a critical time in their lives. Thanks to donor generosity, JFCS was able to meet the needs of these three families, and the more than 30,000 other individuals who come walk through their doors each year when they are in crisis or dealing with an important life challenge.

Jewish Family and Children's Service of Pittsburgh featured a video about their SOS Pittsburgh critical needs and emergency assistance program at their annual meeting. SOS Pittsburgh, which was established in 2005, provides a safety net of last resort for individuals and families who are struggling and have nowhere else to turn.

Lee I. Sherman

President/CEO

We often hear people described as a "glass half-empty" or "glass half-full" type. We immediately know what this means. Seeing the same set of facts, the same situation, one person is a pessimist, while the other is an optimist. One is in a state of retreat, while the other is ready to step forward. Which type of person would we rather be around, and, more importantly, which type of person do we want to lead our organizations? 

This week we read about the twelve spies that Moses sent into the land of Canaan in parashah Sh'lah L'kha. Having spent forty days surveying the land, tasting the food, and assessing the people, they return with their report. While ten of the spies extol the virtues of this land "flowing with milk and honey," they also warn of the imposing nature of the occupants of the land, who made them see themselves like "grasshoppers." These ten believed a return to Egypt was preferable to an attempt to occupy the Promised Land. Only Caleb in a determined speech, and Joshua, saw things differently. Having the identical experiences as the other ten, Caleb and Joshua saw possibility in the land and the potential for the fulfillment of God's covenant with the Jewish people. They were prepared to lead their people forward.

The deep conviction of Caleb and Joshua is the essence of successful leadership. In an article in a 2005 issue of the journal of the Harvard Business School, Jonathan Byrnes describes leaders as "people who leave their footprints in their areas of passion." They are successful because they are deeply committed to their causes and they can exude the passion that can convince others to follow. The ten spies who did not believe were destroyed. All of their generation who shared their view were destined to die in the desert.  Only Caleb and Joshua were rewarded for their passion and optimism by entering the Promised Land. May all of our leaders descend from Caleb and Joshua.

Shabbat Shalom