Rosh Hashanah calls us to begin again. To pause, reflect, and ask what kind of world we want to create in the year ahead. 

I think about our community as a circle, continuous and unbroken. Past generations built it wide enough to include us. And today, it’s our responsibility to keep that circle strong and open, so our children and grandchildren will always know they belong. 

Earlier this month, four teenagers from Israel—Jewish and Arab—visited Cincinnati through Givat Haviva’s Through Others’ Eyes program. In Israel, they live in separate communities and attend separate schools; their paths rarely cross until college or work. But here, they stood side by side, sharing their photographs, their stories, and their friendships. Among them, one grew up in a family open to friendships between Jews and Arabs. For another, it was the very first time. Yet together, the four teens reminded us that every generation can choose to begin again—by building friendships where none existed before. That, too, is the essence of l’dor v’dor: tradition often flows from parent to child. But sometimes it is our children who teach us how to widen the circle. 

This is not an easy moment. Polarization strains our relationships. Antisemitism is rising. And the growing cost of Jewish life—from camp to security and more—weighs heavily on families. 

Yet even in the face of challenge, engagement is surging. Partnerships are strong. New leaders are stepping forward. Across the country, Jewish life is experiencing a once-in-a-generation surge of belonging. And right here at home, more than half of our community has told us they want to be more involved. 

That gives me hope. 

Federation’s role is to hold our community through tension, to keep the circle wide enough for everyone. Safety is what lets us live Jewishly with confidence and pride. Security isn’t just about guards and cameras—it’s about creating a community where Jewish identity can be expressed openly, joyfully, and without hesitation. 

And Jewish life is rich—but not inexpensive. Because of you, that circle stays open and strong for every generation. 

At a time when trust in many institutions is declining, Federation will keep earning your trust—through transparency, measurable results, and the values we share. 

This Rosh Hashanah, I honor the generations who came before us—and find hope in the leaders rising, from our children’s voices to those carrying us forward today. Together, we are widening the circle so every person can find their place and their pride in Jewish life. 

May 5786 bring health, safety, and peace to our community, to Israel, and to the world. 

Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova,
Danielle V. Minson
CEO
Jewish Federation of Cincinnati