As we reflect on the past year, we are reminded of the profound power of presence, responsibility, and action embodied in the ancient Hebrew word “hineni,” meaning “Here I am.” Originating from the Tanach, the Hebrew Bible, “hineni” is a declaration of readiness and willingness to serve exemplified by Abraham’s response to God’s call, Moses’ reply to the burning bush, and Isaiah’s offer to speak on behalf of the Divine. This declaration has inspired generations to embody the essence of sacred relationship – not only with the Divine but with fellow human beings – and has guided our commitment to being a Movement that is deeply accountable and actively working towards a more just and compassionate world.

Throughout the year, we have stood strong with the message that “we are here” in our local communities across North America and in Israel. We have been steadfast as we nurture our leaders of all ages and pursue justice.

We fostered communities of belonging in our congregations, camps, and youth movement by creating environments where everyone can be their full, authentic selves. Our camps and youth programs have continued to flourish, becoming centers of belonging and inclusivity – a true antidote to our increasingly turbulent world.

We introduced our Talk for a Change curriculum, which promotes open dialogues about politics, antisemitism, and the current conflict in Israel across lines of difference. We also hosted online workshops which challenged participants to confront biases, envision ways they could create spaces of belonging, and confront prejudice when they witness it.

We have advocated for justice, democracy, and the rule of law in the United States. Through our RAC state initiatives, we mobilized congregations and communities to take action on critical social justice issues. We fought against antisemitism everywhere we encountered it, from Congress to college campuses, ensuring that “never again” is not just a slogan, but a call to build the infrastructure for a more just world.

Our advocacy efforts were guided by the urgency of the moment, particularly in the face of the ongoing conflict and innocent lives still tragically held captive in Gaza. We have echoed the anguish of the families waiting for their safe return and consistently urged for a negotiated ceasefire and hostage deal in Israel. We continue to advocate for safety and self-determination for Palestinians and Israelis, and champion a vision of a democratic, pluralistic Israel. This commitment to peace and justice has been a cornerstone of our work.

We have provided resources to help our congregations build vibrant, inclusive communities. We released toolkits, launched partnerships, and connected small congregations with clergy to ensure all our communities’ needs were met. We are proud of the work we have done together, and we look forward to continuing our journey as a Movement.

As we look to the future, we remember the words of Isaiah: “Hineni, sh’lacheni — Here I am, send me” (Isaiah 6:8). We are here and eager to continue working toward our vision of a future when all people experience peace and wholeness (shalom), justice and equity (tzedek), and belonging and joy (shayachut and simcha).

May the coming year bring us closer to this vision, and may we continue to stand strong together as a Movement of “hineni” – Here we are.

Signed,

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
President

Shelley Niceley Groff
North American Board Chair