There was a time, several years ago, when I lost my connection to the Jewish community after years of considerable involvement. There was a hole in my heart that needed to be filled.
Then one day I was invited to a Jewish National Fund-USA Women for Israel's Tu B'Shvat seder. Hmmm, I thought, what a way to reconnect by attending this seder with a large group of like-minded women. I was so right. Over 60 women attended, and we danced and sang, and I finally felt my Jewish roots and involvement return to me. I found my new home with JNF-USA. Not just a home, but a family deeper than I ever imagined.
As I delved further into learning more about JNF-USA, reading all about its myriad of initiatives, programs, and projects, I was overwhelmed and hooked. The more I see on Zoom these days, the more amazed I am, with my heart overflowing with gratitude, satisfaction, and fulfillment to be a part of an organization like none other. An organization that's bigger than all of us, making a tremendous difference now and no doubt beyond my lifetime.
I am deeply touched by the work JNF-USA has been doing for decades for the people and the land of Israel. The continuing efforts to make a better life for everyone in Israel is the most heartwarming feeling. My heart skips a beat every time I hear about how a JNF-USA project has changed lives for so many, from the young to the elderly.
Watching the development of the all new Galilee Culinary Institute in the north and the World Zionist Village in the south bring a whole new level of expertise and wealth of knowledge to be shared worldwide. Because of the work JNF-USA is accomplishing, my passion only grows as we shout from the rooftops the miracles and mitzvahs of Jewish National Fund-USA.
I am proud to be a Jewish National Fund-USA family member.
Meril Salzburg (on the right in the photo above) is Jewish National Fund-USA's Orlando Board President.
