By: Cindy Coons
Director of Family Engagement & Jewish Explorers
Recently, I was invited to join a newly formed community of practice to help advance the mission and vision of our family engagement work. This gathering included Jewish professionals from across the country with diverse professional backgrounds and scopes of work. I was excited to join this group as their primary focus is engaging and supporting grandparents. I didn’t know most of the professionals; I only knew that we had a common purpose – to find ways to support grandparents with grandchildren being raised in Jewish and multifaith homes. As we ended our time together, we were encouraged to share something that resonated with us from others’ programs that we’d like to try in our community. Sharing this honored the impact that each of us has had individually in our own community, as well as our collective impact in Jewish communities across the country.
This week’s parsha, Nitzavim, begins with “Atem nitzavim hayom kulchem” – “You are all standing today, all of you” (Deuteronomy 29:9). Rather than being redundant, the Torah’s repetition of “all of you” reminds us that we are all a valued part of the community; that each of us matters.
Nitzavim also expands the circle of responsibility beyond the present moment: “Not with you alone do I make this covenant…but with those who are here today and those who are not here today” (Deuteronomy 29:14–15). This is a reminder that we are not only responsible for the present but also for future generations.
Our community of practice reminded me of how each of us is a valuable link in the circle of responsibility to ensure L’dor V’dor – from generation to generation – when finding ways to support Jewish grandparents in sharing their love of Judaism, and Jewish values, culture, traditions, and celebrations. Nitzavim reminds us that we have a responsibility to “open the tent” to allow all to enter as their authentic selves and from whichever path leads them into the tent. The community of practice facilitator reminded us that collective impact is greater than the sum of its individual parts. It is informed by our shared vision, mission, and values, and our collective hope for the future of our community for generations to come.
Nitzavim is traditionally read on the Shabbat before Rosh Hashanah. The timing of this message is perfectly aligned with the beginning of the Jewish New Year. As we prepare for the High Holidays, may we honor the time needed to reflect on the past year, explore ways to return to a better and more authentic version of ourselves, celebrate the diversity and the value that each person in our community brings to the whole, and may we find the courage to stand together, and lift each other up. Wishing you and your family Shanah Tovah U’metukah – a good and sweet new year surrounded by the love and support of family, friends, and community. Shabbat Shalom from all of us at JEWISHcolorado.
Please email Cindy Coons at ccoons@jewishcolorado.org with questions or comments.