An Even Brighter Light

Here’s what makes my fire burn: It’s when many flames in our community come together and, like the shamash candle, become an amplifying torch.

A great example is how Jewish Family & Career Services joined with Jewish HomeLife, the MJCCA and Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta to create AgeWell Atlanta (See it at www.agewellatl.org). This is a brilliant partnership that leverages the expertise of each organization to help our community’s older adults live their best lives. AgeWell Atlanta streamlines access to the incredible services and resources that already exist for older adults, then adds the the human touch of a concierge, who can guide users to referrals and support services.

In a time when anti-Semitic incidents are on the rise, another big light is how the Anti-Defamation League, American Jewish Committee, Federation, the Jewish Community Relations Council and the Atlanta Rabbinical Association have come together to strategize about combatting anti-Semitism and the growing Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. We’ve never needed their collective wisdom more.

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Another light: Did you know that our Atlanta Jewish ecosystem consists of more than 90 schools, synagogues, agencies and organizations? The ecosystem now meets quarterly to talk in depth about mutual concerns, from how to make our community more welcoming, and ways to improve customer service, to opportunities for collaboration.

It thrills me to see the community coming together to elevate the work we are all doing. It shows that in spite of our diversity and geographic sprawl, we are one community working together to make this the best Jewish community in the world.

Eric Robbins is president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.