Beresheit – In the Beginning
Even After the Longest Night, the Dawn Always Comes
I write this Minute with Moshe with tears of both joy and sorrow. It’s been a month marked by indescribable relief—and lingering heartbreak.
After two long years, all the surviving hostages have finally returned home. Our hearts, however, still ache for those who did not. As an uneasy calm settles over Gaza, we now face a moment of profound uncertainty. What comes next—for Israel, for the U.S.–Israel relationship, and for Israel’s place on the global stage?
The fighting may have paused, but the world’s judgment has not. True healing and renewed legitimacy will require more than military quiet—it demands rebuilding what’s been broken. While the deeper analysis of Middle East dynamics lies beyond this message, it presents a rich opportunity for future adult education here at the Federation.
What I can say with conviction is this: as we look to the days ahead, we are reminded that we must continue to be voices of compassion and perseverance. Our enduring message—even after devastation—is that life continues. Faith continues. Joy, however fragile, returns.
The world is watching—not only what we say, but how we say it. In sharing our stories of heartbreak and healing, of courage and conviction, we help shape this moment. Our refusal to give up on hope gives us strength, and agency.
A Community of Strength
As we enter the New Year, I want to say this clearly: we need each other now more than ever. The Federation’s mission is simple but powerful—no Jew should feel alone.
In the wake of October 7, we’ve experienced:
Unprecedented trauma
A staggering rise in antisemitism
Unfathomable media bias
Deepening polarization
And yet, we have also witnessed moments that define and strengthen our community—right here in South Bend.
Together, through our five pillars, we are shaping the future of Jewish life:
Security: In partnership with SCN, Safe Indiana, and local law enforcement, we create a protective umbrella so we can celebrate Jewish life safely and without fear.
Advocacy: Through our Community Relations Committee, we amplify Jewish voices, engage in interfaith outreach, and advocate on critical issues like Israel, antisemitism, and Holocaust education.
Engagement: We actively reach out to all segments of our Jewish community, especially young adults, offering meaningful ways to connect.
Community: We share the richness of Jewish culture, tradition, and pride—not just within our community but with the broader public.
Sustainability: We are committed to building long-term strength and resilience, ensuring Jewish life thrives locally and globally for generations.
It is because of your support that this work is possible. Your commitment fuels our mission and keeps us strong—as one.
The mystics teach that in every moment, the world is being created anew.
The first divine act was creation. And the invitation of Beresheit is this:
We, too, are called to be creators.
With patience, curiosity, and courage, we can break free from old patterns and write a new chapter—one that seeds a more hopeful and generative future.
May we draw strength from one another, find faith in our shared purpose,
and hold fast to hope in the promise of tomorrow.
Moshe Kruger
Executive Director
Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley
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