I have never forgotten the Sunday school teacher who, in relating the history of the Jewish people, made me feel so stepped upon.  Because I remember our history, I have always been vigilant about the present and the future.  It is easier to be Jewish now than it once was, but it may not always be easy.  We should never take our community’s well-being for granted.  We must transmit the underlying values of our heritage to future generations so that they can fight whatever battles they might face.

My feelings about our Jewish community come straight from my heart, but I believe in backing those feelings with supportive action.  We have to take our place in the community in a way that is meaningful to each of us, providing personal leadership and financial support.  It is expensive to keep the community engine running, but it is our obligation to provide the necessities for those who will inherit it.  If we show them how much we cherish what we have built for them and teach them by example to do the same, then our community will remain vibrant and strong, and Sunday school teachers of the future will have a very positive message for their students.