by Tamar Davis, CEO
Leaders often say that being a leader can feel very lonely. Even Moses, when leading the Israelites to freedom in this week’s Torah portion, pleads to God, “Alone I cannot carry this entire people for it is too hard for me!” (Numbers 11:14). In response, God tells Moses to “assemble for me 70 elders of Israel… and I will increase the spirit that is upon you and bestow it upon them. Then they too will bear the responsibility of the people with you so that you need not bear it alone.” (Numbers 11:16-17)
When we hosted our Annual Meeting earlier this week, we assembled over 60 of our staff, trustees, and committee members in person, and I could feel the palpable spirit of togetherness in the room. It was a feeling that we were sharing the communal responsibility of spreading inclusion and light into our world, and because of that, I felt very far from alone. As a leader, I am very blessed to have so many wise, multigenerational community volunteers and staff who are my true partners in achieving our shared goal: serving all of our community’s children together through Gateways incredible resources and partnerships.
As we seek to reach our goal of raising $1 million during our fiscal year (which ends June 30), it is inspiring to see how many supporters have come together in response to our mission, to ensure that our children never feel alone. We are $75,000 away from reaching this goal, and thanks to a generous donor’s matching gift of $25,000, every dollar we receive up to this amount between now and the end of this month will be matched by this donor.
Whether you have given in the past, given this year, or never given before, will you join us in giving before the end of this month? You will not only DOUBLE your impact, you will be counted among our own holy assembly, united by our deep desire that EVERY child should feel a sense of belonging in Jewish life and learning.
We could not accomplish this holy work alone. Thank you for your continued support, friendship, and love for all of our children.
Shabbat shalom.
Tamar Davis, Chief Executive Officer
P.S. Every dollar you give Gateways before the end of the month will be DOUBLED up to the amount of $25,000! Don’t wait: donate today to make your impact go further!