While some weeks bring unmistakable momentum, others offer something quieter but equally useful: perspective. This week fell into the latter category, reminding me that progress is rarely linear. We can be confident about where we are going while recognizing that the steps required to get there may shift as we learn, encounter unexpected turns, and gain a clearer understanding of what the moment requires.

I have tremendous respect for the teachings of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z”l, and when I need perspective, I often return to his book Lessons in Leadership. His wisdom is deeply grounded in Jewish tradition while remaining remarkably practical, particularly when our purpose is clear but the work of advancing it requires us to respond thoughtfully to changing circumstances.

Rabbi Sacks taught that “faith is not certainty; it is the courage to live with uncertainty.” He also wrote that the future is shaped not by forces beyond our control, but by our own responsible decisions. Together, these teachings remind us that we do not need to predict every turn in order to move forward with confidence. We need to remain grounded in our purpose, attentive to what we are learning, and accountable for the choices we make along the way.

At the JCC, our purpose and vision are clear, and we have a strategic plan that provides the framework for bringing them to life. We know the community we are working to build: one where people of all ages, backgrounds, faiths, and experiences can grow, connect, and feel that they belong. That destination has not changed.

Our strategic plan gives us direction, and responsible leadership also requires the judgment to adapt how we carry it forward. The sequence of our steps may change, the pace may need to be reconsidered, and an approach that made sense at one point may evolve as new information becomes available. Thoughtful adjustment does not take us away from the plan; it helps us advance it more effectively.

The decisions we make matter deeply because they shape the experiences of the people who come through our doors. Families entrust us with their children, members come here to care for their health and well-being, and people throughout our community look to the JCC for Jewish life, friendship, meaning, and belonging. Honoring that trust requires us to listen carefully, reflect honestly, and keep dignity and care at the center of our work.

As I head into Shabbat, I feel energized by the clarity of our purpose and the opportunities ahead. This week has reinforced my confidence that we can respond thoughtfully to unexpected turns without losing sight of where we are going. Our vision remains clear, our strategic plan continues to guide us, and I believe deeply in the people who bring our mission to life each day.

Shabbat gives us the space to step back from the urgency of the week, consider what we have learned, and return ready for the next step. May this Shabbat bring each of us rest, perspective, and renewed energy. 

Shabbat Shalom,

Sam Dubrinsky
Chief Executive Officer