Behind every connection to Federation is a story—a reason why.

In a recent conversation with my team, I asked a simple question: What motivates you?

The answers were honest and deeply personal. Some spoke about the impact of loss—like a family member killed on 9/11 or a battle with cancer. Others shared the grounding role of friendship, family, or the meaning they find in being a parent. For me, it was my own childhood diagnosis with type 1 diabetes—an experience that continues to shape how I approach challenges, relationships, and my commitment to community.

What struck us most was not just the variety of answers, but the openness with which they were shared. The conversation reminded us that motivation is rarely abstract. It’s lived. It’s personal. And it’s often tied to experiences that stay with us.

That same truth guides how we engage with our community. Just as each of us is motivated by different life experiences, so too are the individuals and families who give so generously to Federation. Some of you may be driven by urgent needs. Others by legacy. Still others by the vision of a vibrant Jewish future.

We can only discover these motivations if we take the time to ask—and then to listen.

I hope we hold fast to what’s at the core of this work—the work of strengthening our Jewish future: connecting with one another, honoring each person’s why, and building a stronger Jewish community—together.

So, we’ll leave you with the same question we asked ourselves:

What motivates you?