Our strength lies in showing up — together
A Minute with Moshe Kruger — Jewish Federation Executive Director
As I write this, we find ourselves at a moment of significant transition — in Jewish South Bend, in Israel, in the broader Middle East, and across the world. So much is shifting, and our local experience is no exception.
After nearly two years of dialogue and ten months of collaborative planning, the Sinai-Temple Task Force has made the difficult decision not to move forward with the shared building project. The reason: cost estimates exceeded the agreed-upon budget, and the project was deemed financially unfeasible.
While this news is disappointing, it also invites reflection. When a path closes, it can open the door to new opportunities — to reassess, to reimagine, and to move forward with renewed clarity and purpose.
One signpost for that path is the reality that American Judaism is in the midst of profound transformation. Across the country, the "liberal-egalitarian" segment of Jewish life is shifting toward a post-denominational era — shaped by evolving social, economic, and ideological forces.
As Rabbi Michael Strassfeld notes in Judaism Disrupted, the historic rise of denominations — Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Modern Orthodox — was a response to the challenges of modernity. Today, new challenges require new thinking. While this post-denominational shift may feel distant in South Bend, it is happening — and we would do well to engage it thoughtfully and strategically.
Even as we honor the sacred legacies of Sinai and Temple, our community continues to struggle to find common ground — not just in physical space, but in shared purpose and planning for the future. Building a sustainable, collaborative future will require honest conversations, mutual education, and a commitment to long-term thinking.
In keeping with the Federation’s historic role as a convener, I am committed to deepening our partnerships — fostering unity without demanding uniformity, and honoring the full spectrum of intellectual, spiritual, and personal needs within our community.
If there is will among us, let’s move forward with the lessons we’ve learned, fresh tools for problem-solving, and new approaches to building consensus.
Let’s use this moment as a catalyst to reimagine what vibrant Jewish life can look like — here, now, and for generations to come.
Our strength lies in showing up — together.
With respect and resolve,
Moshe Kruger,
Executive Director,
Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley
(574) 233-1164 x1802
Click here to email Moshe