Setting intentions in the new year

We are in the midst of the holiday season, a time of renewal, reflection, and the chance to set intentions for the coming year. My hope is that you will take this opportunity to join me in focusing some of those aspirations on having a meaningful impact on our community.

Because our Jewish community needs us all, right now.

Building, nurturing, and sustaining a vibrant Jewish community takes work. It takes intentionality. It takes commitment from every single one of us to support the great work that JUF does each day here in Chicago and around the world.

Together, we must continue to uphold the legacy that has defined JUF’s work for generations, providing the foundational support our community relies on: taking care of the most vulnerable with basic human services and engaging our community in meaningful Jewish experiences.

And now we must also prioritize new critical needs that have arisen in fighting the ugliness of antisemitism. The resulting reality demands that JUF steps up to safeguard 300+ Jewish places and spaces in our community with best-in-class security expertise, so everyone can joyfully engage in Jewish life free from intimidation or fear.

A moment like no other

This moment in history is unlike any other, with historic needs that can only be met with historic resolve. Each of us must shoulder the obligation to care for our community thoughtfully and thoroughly.

The promise to take care of the 1 in 5 Jewish families experiencing food insecurity. To empower thousands as advocates against Jewish hate. To guarantee care for Holocaust survivors facing health challenges as they age. To provide transformational trips to Israel for our young people that build connection and understanding at this crucial moment.

And, through it all, to answer our community’s unprecedented craving to take part in life-enriching Jewish experiences.

We see it everywhere- a swell of engagement in our local Jewish community across every age demographic and geographic location since Oct 7. JUF and our partner agencies are working to meet the increased demand with programming that is excellent and accessible to all–innovating new engagement opportunities and new experiences to attract those seeking community in record numbers.

When the community shows up, we need to be there to welcome, to connect, to create meaningful moments and memories. To ensure everyone can safely take part in our vibrant Jewish community at every stage of life.

Let’s do this together

Working together we are making a true, lasting impact on our community.

Together we can do more than any one of us can do alone.

A donation to JUF is an investment in our community’s needs, in our strength, in our future. It’s being part of an organization rooted in generations of generosity. It’s a trust that your dollars will be responsibly allocated with efficiency and effectiveness made possible only by the strength of JUF.

We should be inspired by the possibilities. We should turn our aspirations into action. But more action demands more resources.

Join me, my wife Jen, and our three daughters in supporting JUF and please consider at least a 20 percent increase from your last gift to protect and preserve our precious Jewish community.

Shana Tova!

Joshua B. Herz is the Chair of the 2025 JUF Annual Campaign. Previously he served on the executive committee of JUF’s board of directors, was a member of JFNA’s National Young Leadership Cabinet, and held the position of YLD’s Vice President, Campaign. Herz is also a co-founder of Project Halo, a national communications hub for the North American Jewish community.