These are not easy times to be Jewish. Truthfully, these are not easy times for humanity.
Each week brings a new headline that shakes our sense of security and stability, whether it’s violence, division, or tragedy unfolding far too close to home. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my three decades of Jewish communal work, it’s this: When the world feels overwhelming, our greatest source of strength is what we build right here at home.
At the Jewish Federation of Broward County, our mission is simple: we build community. In moments of uncertainty, we anchor people. In moments of fear, we uplift them. In moments of division, we bring them together. We are living in a time when people are starved for connection. What we crave is belonging, a place to feel seen, safe and supported.
Being Jewish isn’t just an identity, it’s a responsibility. Our work is guided not by politics or partisanship, but by purpose. In today’s climate, leaders are often faced with a difficult choice: speak up and risk backlash or remain silent and risk irrelevance. But more important than speaking is doing. And now, more than ever, we must lead with clarity, not just through programs and funding, but through presence and partnership.
Earlier this year, we launched Ignite Broward, a countywide listening journey that engaged more than 1,400 participants across neighborhoods, generations and denominations. Out of that journey, we heard a collective longing for deeper connection, greater inclusion and stronger collaboration across Jewish life in Broward County. In response, we’ve recently launched task forces that will work on turning the community’s aspirations into action by developing strategies that strengthen engagement and inclusion, foster collaboration across organizations, support vulnerable populations, and build Jewish identity and pride for the future. With dedicated leadership and an initial investment of $500,000, this work is already underway.
We may not be able to offer answers to all the questions, but we can strengthen the bonds that hold us together, locally and globally. We can choose, every day, to build the kind of community that reflects the very best of who we are — as Jews and as humans.
If you’re wondering where to begin, begin here.
Listen generously
Listening isn’t passive, it’s an act of presence, and sometimes, humility. To listen generously means hearing beyond someone’s words: taking in their fears, hopes and experiences without rushing to correct or even respond. Generous listening is one of the most radical forms of connection we can offer.
Build bridges
We cannot afford to live in silos. Create space where people of different backgrounds and beliefs can meet—not to agree on everything, but to recognize that the human experience is universal.
Prioritize education
Jewish life has always valued learning, not just as an academic pursuit, but as an obligation to grow, reflect and act. Education allows us to navigate complexity, confront antisemitism and empower the next generation to lead with both pride and compassion.
At 180,000 strong, Broward County’s Jewish community ranks among the largest in Florida, and the nation, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. What we build here matters. It can model what’s possible elsewhere. If we want a world that is safer, kinder and more connected, we must start with the spaces we can reach. So, let’s keep building because in times like these, when our communities are tested, unity is our blueprint for belonging.
Audra Berg is the President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Broward County. She can be reached at aberg@JewishBroward.org.
