I love the Jewish holidays, but getting one’s work done when each week is abbreviated is challenging. And this week (starting tonight) will begin the holiday of Sukkot. I have written before how this is my favorite holiday of the year – a time when my family builds our sukkah, invites others to join us, and my children and I try to sleep in it each night (weather permitting). In addition, we have our lulav and etrog and look forward to following the traditions. Since we are closed in observance of the holiday Thursday and Friday, I will write a more full Marc’s Remarks next week.

One reminder, if you have not already signed up for the October 3rd Federation Campaign Kick-Off Event featuring Dan Pallotta, then please do so now. 

Here is an excerpt from his latest article in Harvard Business Review –Philanthropy means, literally, love of humanity. You do not have to give a million dollars to charity to be a philanthropist. You simply have to actively demonstrate your love of humanity. Your empathy. If the purpose of our creativity is philanthropy – if it is love of our fellow man, an appreciation that people struggle in their lives, and a desire to somehow lessen that struggle and increase their joy – it will change the world.”

Don't miss out on what will be a very fun evening with one of the most inspiring speakers today. Dan will share his message about “the good” we do.

Please join the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and other Jewish organizations at the September 29 Sunday Parkways. Click here for more information.

Best wishes for a wonderful Sukkot holiday – and together we can change the world. Chag Sukkot sameach.

Marc

PS – Unfortunately, this has been another difficult week for our country. Beyond the horrific shootings in Washington, D.C. where twelve people were killed, we watched the news of the devastating floods in Colorado. The Jewish Federations of North America are mobilizing to help the victims of unprecedented flooding in Colorado, which has swept across 15 counties, killing five and displacing thousands of people – and the Jewish community has not escaped the disaster.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland has opened an online donation fund to help provide emergency aid. So far more than 1,500 people are missing in the flooding, which has wiped out roads and bridges and destroyed or damaged thousands of homes, businesses and institutions.

In Boulder, several feet of floodwater swept into both the Har Hashem Reform synagogue and Bonai Shalom Conservative congregation, damaging both buildings, while the Chabad Lubavitch of Boulder County was also badly hit. Many community members are reporting flooded homes, as well. 100% of all donations will go directly to the relief effort.