If you have not visited the JCC in Squirrel Hill in the past week, you have not seen the display of our Federation’s 100 year history.  I recommend you stop by and take a look at what we have accomplished, decade by decade, and how we have evolved as a Federation and as a community from our Federation’s start in 1912.  When I spoke to the Wechsler group on Wednesday, I mentioned the display to them and urged them to all visit the exhibit.  At the same time, while I hope they will be proud of our history, I expressed to them that our Centennial is a time to really think about our future.  One hundred years ago, our local work revolved around the integration of new immigrants into American culture and society.  We could not have been more successful at that task.  Today, one of the biggest challenges facing us is to make sure that American Jews continue to make Judaism an integral part of their lives.  That is why the Centennial Fund for a Jewish Future, along with all we support through or Centennial Annual Campaign, is critical in shaping our next hundred years.

This Sunday is the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the United States.  Ten years ago, at the moment the planes struck the twin towers, I was sitting here at the Federation offices in complete disbelief.  In those ten years, much has changed in our lives, including the need for enhanced security at all Jewish institutions.  Thank you to the Jewish Healthcare Foundation for partnering with the Federation to upgrade security throughout our community.  

For all those who perished on 9/11, may their memory be for a blessing.

Shabbat Shalom.

P.S.  Sign up now for the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Annual Meeting on September 21, 2011.  Rick Recht will be performing as we both thank Bill Rudolph for his service as Chair of the Board and welcome Lou Plung as our new Chair.  You will also be able to see the history display I mentioned above.