Following Mitzvah Day, I had a lifechanging opportunity to be among those who commemorated the 25th anniversary of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum on Miami Beach. I was privileged to hear the personal account by speaker and author Ms. Jennifer Teege, a German-Nigerian woman who discovered by accident that she was the granddaughter of Nazi Amon Goeth. I highly recommend that her book, My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me, is on your list of "must reads." It's one of the most moving stories I have ever heard, and one of great enlightenment.

My emotional yet enriching weekend also included a brunch honoring children hidden during the Holocaust. As Head of School, I cherish opportunities to see the blessings of our Jewish community at events such as this. I am continually inspired, and reminded of the concept of L'Dor Vador...from Generation to Generation. Our future depends on our strengths.

Strength can surely be seen in our daily surroundings. Yesterday, the strength of our community and our heritage illuminated attendees at a special gathering hosted by the Jewish National Fund. A group of 13 Rosenblatt High School students, along with DKJA eighth-graders, and students from Yeshiva High School and Katz Hillel Day School, volunteered at the JNF Winter Connection Brunch at the Polo Club. Our students welcomed and helped guests throughout the morning while enjoying this special event to support Israel through JNF and all of its great work. The keynote speaker was Mr.Seth Siegel, author of the recently released book, Let There Be Water: Israel's Solution for a Water-Starved World. After the event, Mr. Siegel held a special session just with students so he could address them in a more intimate setting, answer questions, and talk more deeply about the global water crisis, and how Israel both addressed this issue early on and is leading the way in offering solutions to the problem. Thank you to all of our wonderful student volunteers, to Rosenblatt High School parent and JNF Director for Palm Beach Mrs. Laura Sherry, the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, and its Director of School Educational Services, Mrs. Marilyn Nachman, for making it an important and positive experience for our students.

Also this week, I was fortunate to attend Federation's THE EVENT, featuring actor, author and philanthropist Mr. Henry Winkler. Additionally, I joined partner agency Ruth and Norman Rales Jewish Family Services to see firsthand how we are a community that continues to show its strength. I was honored to be a guest at the JFS luncheon, which showcased the invaluable contributions the agency provides to those in need. It was inspirational beyond words.

I hope that you too can benefit from the vast array of enriching programs and events that we are fortunate to have an abundance of in our community. Let's keep the momentum going. The rewards are endless. I feel proud to be part of our community.