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MAKING A BIGGER DIFFERENCE
by Howard Blumberg

   On a Shabbat evening in early February, Rabbi Jeret invited Elliot Brandt to speak to the congregation at our second Shabbat In The Round. Elliot is the Western States Director of AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Before we were introduced to Elliot, many of us had little knowledge of or experience with AIPAC. In a fascinating and riveting evening, Elliot delivered a clear, concise, and powerful message us all. That message was about the severe threats facing Israel and the crucial importance of American support and American Jewish solidarity in promoting that support. As a consequence, we all had a clearer picture of the role we must play in Israel’s future. At the conclusion of the evening, Rabbi Jeret invited all gathered to consider joining him and Arianna in attendance at AIPAC’s Annual Policy Conference in early March. Remarkably, on what was short notice and having had no prior knowledge of this important cause, eight of us decided to join them in Washington.
   Others will describe on these pages the particular events of this three-day conference. While it is difficult to summarize our time spent in Washington, the impact it had upon all of us was profound and lasting. I could never have imagined the sense of purpose and vitality we would all feel in those three days. Our gathering was five-thousand strong and it was clear that the mandate of Israel’s survival speaks to the hearts and minds of so many across the globe. The work that AIPAC does in ensuring a continuing strong bond between the U.S. and Israel is invaluable, and while we spent only three days in Washington, the sense of connection we felt with people from around the world in support of Israel will indelibly etched on us forever.
   As our community grows into the future with our new Rabbi and we learn with him to respond with passion and commitment to the causes and needs of Israel and the Jewish People everywhere, I have a stronger sense of belonging than ever, and I am grateful, as always, to be part of this community. I am grateful to have attended this crucial conference this year and I plan to attend again next year with Rabbi Jeret and, hopefully, with many more of us. Together, we can all make a bigger difference.