Notes from Cantor Avima

THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER METROWEST: What an amazing resource!! I am still getting to know the strengths of this community. This week I had the pleasure of participating in a meeting of Religious School Directors hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest. I had the opportunity to hear about all the programs  being offered in support of  our Jewish community. As I listened to the many presentations of their initiatives and projects, I couldn't help but be struck with the realization that of all the communities I have served, this surely is the strongest Jewish Federation of all.  From teacher training to teen engagement, to advocacy and Israel engagement and on and on.  I have been hearing about the many Federation programs that Adath Shalom participates in but I don't think I truly appreciated the whole gamut of offerings. I can't help but feel that we are a community within a community within  a community... etc... We sometimes get so focused on our little fishbowl, that we forget about the many spheres of support that is truly cradling our families. Tomorrow I will be meeting the rishona that will become part of our Adath Shalom community and I will appreciate all those who made it this project possible for all these years. Many people and resouces have come together  in partnership to enrich the lives of our students in our synagogue school with the year long (and longer) connection with an Israeli. For me the words of the day are "partnership" and "community". It is truly the many partnerships that ensure the success of the small and larger community. Be our partners, come to shul, get involved, be engaged and we all benefit!!