Judaism is not only a religion; it is a way of life. It is how we live and learn -- a path that will never let you down if you remember to keep its teachings close.

This is what motivates me every day – as I truly believe that the actions of one affect the many!

I believe that if we truly take responsibility; the Jewish people will stay safe and strong, here in Howard County and around the world. We live in a community where most of our Jewish family is very fortunate -- most do not need social, mental or financial assistance -- however right here, right now in Howard County there are Jewish people that live at or below the poverty level, some are homeless, some do not have jobs, and some cannot feed or clothe their families. We create the moral base by which our families live, and by extension, which our community and our people live. This is our responsibility.

When you walk down the street in Baltimore you are faced with this issue every day. The homeless are right in front of your eyes. In Howard County we do not see them, and if we do not see them we do not know -- making it hard to understand the problem exists.

The Mishna teaches us that - Saving a single life is considered equivalent to saving an entire world.

The mission of the Federation is to create a community for all Jews -- a place to for teen programs; parent and child programs; religious school scholarships; youth leadership scholarships; programs for our seniors; Israel advocacy; a place that fights against anti-Semitism in Howard County for all of its Jewish citizens; we are a place to come together as one family.

The Federation provides a safety net for those with urgent needs, and also ensures a vibrant Jewish future for you and for me. We are all motivated by the principle that all Jews are responsible for one another and your generosity and philanthropy makes a real impact on your family, your friends, and your community.

This act of tzedakah is a mitzvah that you take with you for the rest of your life. It is not charity, it is a responsibility -- Your actions show that you understand that Jewish philanthropy is an important part of your heritage -- it is doing what is just!

Your support helps promote the critical work of the Federation – your voice educates your friends, and the next generation, about the importance of supporting an organization solely dedicated to our Jewish family in Howard County and around the world. Your actions lead the way!

We look optimistically toward the future, knowing that we are doing everything we can today to build a strong foundation for the next generation – we are building a brighter tomorrow by; creating programs that build Jewish identity and growing the leaders of the future. However, there is much more work to do and we need you.

The coming year will be very challenging – so it is our job to remember that if we do not make Jewish philanthropy a major part of our lives there is no one else that will!

Tell your friends that they should support the Federation -- the organization that works for all of the Jewish people of Howard County. Each person has the power today to make this world the best world it can be -- it is our responsibility. The only limit is what you impose on yourself.

So I thought, “Where does that leave us. What is the real message.” We are one of the wealthiest counties in the United States and we need to do better. It is our responsibility to do better!

The point I am trying to make is that we all need to do more, give more, and we need to reach out to the people the people in our lives and ask them to join you in making the difference in the lives of our Jewish family that struggles every day for survival!

Golda Meir once asked “Are you with us?” I ask that you take the next step!