This week was marked by political developments in Israel which involved US - Israel relations, Israel - world Jewry relations, and domestic politics in Israel, all coinciding with the official visit to Israel by US Vice President Biden.  Additionally, this weekend is the national Young Leadership Conference in Boston which will feature a service project to improve literacy in public schools.

In reading parsha Vayakhel - Pekudei in the book of Exodus (Shemot) 35:1 - 40:38 which concludes the book of Exodus (Shemot), we read about the Jewish people bringing precious materials for the artisans in their midst to construct the sanctuary during the exodus from Egypt.  There was such an outpouring of giving and help, as we read in an excerpt in Exodus (Shemot) 36:7, that "'"...their efforts had been more than enough for all the tasks to be done."'"

When is the last time that we could declare that enough has been done?  We cannot say that about the needs in Haiti.  We cannot say that about the needs right here in Broward County.  Where there remain people who are in need of basic human dignity, all the tasks are not done.  I see and speak to caring people every day who respond when they learn what still is to be done.  Please let me know if you will join with me, too.

Shabbat Shalom,

Eric B. Stillman
President and CEO