By Shelley Hubal

I consider myself a “Hebrew School dropout.” Dear Mrs. Shapiro was a patient teacher, but learning a foreign language never came easily to me. That, along with my short attention span, kept me from making Hebrew School a priority in my youth. I remember a few bright spots fondly: the large kosher sugar cookies from Snowflake Bakery on East Fayette Street in Syracuse were a delightful treat and the boys at Hebrew School were especially entertaining. During breaks, they would push the classroom furniture aside and wrestle one another – a form of play that felt foreign to a young girl with only sisters.

Looking back, I see a steady thread running through my life – one that has carried me from “dropout” to leader. For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to the lifelong practice of becoming more loving, compassionate and patient. I believe this is the special work of the Jewish soul and an essential pursuit for every human being, especially our leaders.

What I did not understand in my youth – but recognize now – is that Judaism places community and care for one another at the center of Jewish life. We need a minyan to mourn and to pray. When someone dies, the chevra kadisha ensures the body is prepared with dignity and watched over with reverence. Giving tzedakah to support our synagogues, institutions and the most vulnerable among us is also essential to a meaningful Jewish life. And because these sacred responsibilities require real resources, we must raise the funds that sustain them. Without those necessary dollars, we simply would not have a Jewish community.

The theme for the 2027 Annual Campaign is “Your Jewish community. Embracing our future together.” It reminds us that each of us belongs to this community, and has a part to play in strengthening it and shaping a more vibrant future together.

When you receive a call or letter from the Federation asking you to give, please remember you do not need to be a Jewish scholar to belong. You only need a desire to help create community – and to be part of one. My hope is that this sense of belonging, along with a delicious cookie, will be enough to satisfy your Jewish soul.