By Ellen Braunstein
As the calendar turns to a new year, people often reflect on personal growth and set resolutions to improve their lives. Similarly, organizations can benefit from this tradition by establishing their own resolutions that pave the way for success in the coming year. The start of a new year presents a unique opportunity for organizations to assess their goals, recalibrate their strategies and inspire their teams toward a shared vision. Here are some of those visions for the new year from Jewish leaders in greater Philadelphia.
Molly Wernick, director jkidphilly, Jewish Learning Venture
In the year ahead, I aspire to help build a village of parents and caregivers that rises above the polarities that so often divide us. Together, let’s create a space where the vulnerabilities of raising children in today’s complex world are not hidden but embraced — moving beyond the portrayal of perfection we often see online. Together let’s first connect with one another as real, honest, imperfect people, bound by our shared love and care for the little ones in our lives, and then open our hearts to those whose beliefs and experiences may differ from our own — religiously, ideologically, politically, and culturally.
Jeremy Winaker, executive director, Greater Philly Hillel
This year, Philly Hillel resolves to share more widely our impact by empowering Jewish students to be Hillel heralds, by piloting a Campus Impact Advisor professional, and by continuing to catalyze positive Jewish expression on campus and beyond. Our goal is to evoke an abundance mindset that counters the narrative of the challenges of being Jewish on campus today.
Rabbi Seth Haaz, senior rabbi, Har Zion Temple
While we mark the secular new year as December 31 becomes January 1, we celebrate the new year on Rosh Hashanah. As Jews gathered on Rosh Hashanah, it was clear how much we all needed to be embraced by the blessings of community. As Israel fights for its survival and global antisemitism intensifies, we need the comfort and strength of community. All of us should make the resolution, or the commitment, to find at least one new way to receive and provide the blessings of community: attend or host a Shabbat dinner once a month, show up to minyan once a month for someone to be able to say kaddish, or seize an opportunity for regular Jewish study. God provided the initial miracle of light on Chanukah. It is now incumbent upon us to kindle the lights and add our own flames to stave off the darkness.
Abby Stamelman Hocky, executive director, Interfaith Philadelphia
As I look ahead to 2025, I think about the promise of our religiously diverse region and the role that faith and interfaith engagement play in calling us to live with compassion, peace and love. I am resolved to stay grounded in my deepest Jewish values and commit to the slow and deliberate work of investing in relationships of trust and understanding that can transcend the forces that try to divide us.
Marcia Bronstein, regional director, American Jewish Committee
I feel like we’ve been working 24/7 for the past year and we’ve put our heart and soul into taking care of our families and the community. We’re never going to stop advocating for and thinking about the hostages. That’s where we’ve spent our time in the last year. As we have celebrated Chanukah with our families, the hostages are in darkness. They are our family in Israel. So, you just need to remember them now and in the coming year.
Howard Glantz, rabbi and cantor, Congregation Adath Jeshurun
My new year started in September and October. I’ve found an enhanced need to listen more carefully to people around me and really try to hear them before I speak, to find out what they need and what they’re expressing. I am trying to meet people where they are. I definitely look forward to being in the Holy Land this year where my kids are. I hope to visit one of the bases and bring the soldiers warm socks and thermal undershirts. There will be a lot of support this coming year from the American Jewish Philadelphia community.
Ellen Braunstein is a freelance writer.
