I have an incredible job.  Each day, I get to work on behalf of our member agencies that are doing amazing work across the U.S. and Canada to assist individuals and families in their communities to face and conquer their challenges.  No day is the same as any other and they all contain new surprises and opportunities.  But, Wednesday of this week was particularly special.  I had the honor of representing the 125 member agencies of AJFCA and offer testimony to the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging at its hearing "Aging in Comfort: Assessing the Special Needs of America's Holocaust Survivors."  More importantly, I was one of five witnesses able to give a voice to Holocaust survivors who have suffered so greatly and deserve to now live with dignity and respect in a safe, supportive environment.

This week's parashah, Yitro, is perhaps the most significant in all of Torah, for it contains the giving of the Ten Commandments to the Jewish people.  The passages are rich in both description and content.  For me, what resonates the most is that all of the people gathered together to receive God's commandments, each being equally important as a member of this community.  And, our rabbis have taught us that even in later generations, we are to consider that each of us was at Mount Sinai for this signature event.

When I was about to appear before the Senate committee, I thought about how we Jews were all together at Sinai.  To be able to give a voice to the tens of thousands of Holocaust survivors in North America who need our help, and to honor the memory of the Six Million who were murdered, was for me just doing my part as one of the congregation at Sinai.  And, I am so proud of the work you all do to make certain that other members of that congregation, the Holocaust survivors, who have taught us what it means to triumph over bigotry and hatred, can stay active members of our community for as long as possible.    

Have a peaceful Shabbat.