You make that New Year’s resolution to exercise more, and then by February — let alone by the end of the year — you’ve let that expensive gym membership go to waste.
So for a little inspiration to forestall the inevitable, the Jewish Exponent asked some our community’s machers to share their New Year’s resolutions. Whether they shared a professional goal, such as advocating for civil rights, or something more personal like trying new recipes or writing more, we hope some of these resolutions are a bit more attainable than our own.
Amy Krulik, CEO, Kaiserman JCC
“I have two resolutions for 2018: My personal resolution is try out at least one new recipe every month, and my professional resolution is to continue the great progress the Kaiserman JCC made in 2018 by bringing back year-round swimming by putting a seasonal bubble on our pool.”
Jon Grabelle Herrmann, executive director, USA250
“One of the biggest challenges for the United States’ 250th anniversary initiative is making sure that each American individual, family and community feels that their story is visibly connected to the nation’s story, in the eyes of the broader public. My New Year’s resolution for 2018 is for us to begin weaving that narrative, so that our society sees a full reflection of who we are and where we can go together.”
Naomi Adler, president and CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
“In 2018, Israel turns 70 years old — a significant milestone for both the Israeli and Jewish communities across the world. My resolution is to ensure that all our programming during this year illustrates our communities’ love, respect and deep ties with Israel as well as pays tribute to the diversity of the Israeli population, and explores the multiplicity of viewpoints involved.”
Sam Katz, executive producer, History Making Productions
“My No. 1 New Year’s resolution is to have a lot of great fun with my grandchildren. I am sure that if I do, 2018 will have been a terrific year.”
Vered Nohi, executive director, Philadelphia-Israel Chamber of Commerce
“My hope is that in the next year we’ll be able to increase connections among Israeli and Philadelphian innovators and facilitate not only commerce, but also friendships and relations, building bridges through commerce and innovation.”
Allan Domb, Philadelphia City Councilman-At-Large
“In my capacity as city councilman, my New Year’s resolution is to, this year, put in place the collection of all delinquent taxes and make the City of Philadelphia more efficient. My New Year’s resolution in the real estate world is to continue to see new residents come to our city, especially millennials, so we can build our population.”
Marcia Bronstein, regional director, American Jewish Committee (AJC) Philadelphia/SNJ
“No. 1 is I want to learn enough 21st-century Yiddish words so I can have a conversation without inserting English. Whether it’s the computer, internet, syncing my phone, I want to learn all those things, so I don’t have to insert English … I’m going to travel more, kiss an elephant and do one thing each day to make the world a better place. I hope that 2018 will be a year when we can celebrate religious pluralism in Israel among all streams of Judaism and have equal access to the Wall for prayer and life cycle events. I look forward to celebrating the 70th anniversary of the state of Israel and consider it a privilege, as many in my family did not get to experience, firsthand, the miracle that is Israel.”
Barbara Nussbaum, president, National Council of Jewish Women Greater Philadelphia Section
“I want to continue working and advocating on behalf of issues that concern women, children and families and ensuring individual civil rights — that’s so important in our times — getting other people motivated to speak out on behalf of people who can’t speak out for themselves. Make this world safer, more peaceful and more tolerant, so that we can make things better for all people. As a grandmother, I want to feel that this world is going to be a better place in the coming year. I want to spend more time with my grandchildren and make sure they live in a world that’s tolerant.”
Paul Finkelman, president, Gratz College
“As the newly appointed president of Gratz College, I want to see this historic institution take its place as a local and national leader, serving Jewish communities in Philadelphia and across America. My goal is to establish Gratz as an intellectual and cultural haven where we can come together to discuss and debate the issues that confront us — while also welcoming students from around the world who choose to take part in our growing M.A. and Ph.D. programs.”
Sharon Pinkenson, executive director, Greater Philadelphia Film Office
“I had a wonderful lunch … with Janet Benton, author of Lilli de Jong, my favorite book this year. Janet convinced me that I should commit to writing for myself just one hour per month, recording my memories, good or bad, as essays. So that is my New Year’s resolution. Just the thought of it is cathartic.”
[email protected]; 215-832-0729
