Last fall, our Jewish community came together for a day of spirited and powerful discussion; prompting many new ideas as to how our community should organize to meet the challenges of the future. Solicited by a grassroots committee, these ideas have been further discussed and dissected, resulting in the formation of 5 task force committees, each one charged with sharp focus on a specific aspect of our community. These task forces are examining education, fundraising, Federation as an umbrella organization, outreach and leadership development, and communication and marketing.

As their work continues, the grassroots committee has met with national Jewish agencies and other American Jewish communities for their input and ideas. They have given our effort their overwhelming support, adding fresh new ideas for us to consider and discuss.

The next step in this process is about to begin. Current and past leadership of our Jewish community will be meeting in small, individual groups with members of the grassroots committee. Lay and spiritual leaders will be invited to share and discuss their ideas about our collective future. These ideas will add to the rich reservoir of ideas already gathered for additional study and research. Following this, the entire community will again be invited to meet and consider the results of this research and help us decide the next steps as we work together to strengthen our Jewish community so we are ready to meet all challenges the future holds.