For the past year, AJFCA has been the sponsor organization for a national VISTA program to support Holocaust survivors.  Ten VISTA members (the volunteers) have worked in nine communities across the U.S. to increase outreach to survivors, engage other volunteers in their work, and highlight the needs of those who suffered at the hands of the Nazis.  The passion and enthusiasm of each of our VISTA members have motivated many of us in our work this year and for this and all they have done, we thank them.

 

As our departing VISTA members go on to further their careers and educations (2 with our agencies), we know that their work is not complete. As Rabbi Tarfon taught, "It is not your responsibility to complete the work, neither are you free to desist from it." Perkei Avot 2:16.  In our broken world, the obligation to repair and perfect it is shared amongst us all.  It is the core motivating value of the work of all of our member agencies, in spite of how daunting the task often seems. 

 

We are fortunate that our partners at the Corporation for National and Community Service are funding our national VISTA project for a second year.  And so, this week we welcome our new cohort of VISTA members to enhance the Jewish communities work with and on behalf of Holocaust survivors. Take a look at the article in the Highlights section of this newsletter about the accomplishments of our departing champions and our welcome to the new group - those who continue the obligation to perfect our world.

 

Have a complete Shabbat.