Dear Sisters,

On Sept. 28, 1928 our National Ladies Auxiliary of the JWV was formed, which makes us 96 years young! That’s quite a legacy and we’re still carrying it on today. I’m proud to be serving as your President this year. My main idea is to focus on “Kehillah”, the Hebrew for “Community” (or Assembly). I feel we lost some of that strong sense of who and what we are during the pandemic and I would like to help get that back again.

We are all part of several “Kehillot”, communities- our local auxiliaries, the Jewish community in which we live, the veterans’ community and of course our National structure. We need to grow in order to thrive and we mostly focus on membership and fundraising in order to do so. I would like to see each auxiliary reach out in your respective communities and try to get patrons to join, as well as encourage our Museum membership. I’m also ready and willing to help with fundraising ideas.

I would really like us to concentrate this year on the “mitzvot”, the hands-on projects and services that we do as JWVA. So many people are in need of a helping hand and I hope we can provide that in a meaningful way- whether it’s buying goods from the VA wish list, visiting a Fisher House, feeding homeless in a shelter, spending time at a senior living place, or whatever your auxiliary can do. This is my call to action!

I have one more ambitious goal. I would like to start a new auxiliary or rejuvenate one that’s faltering, during my presidency. I’m looking forward to visiting as many of you as I can and strengthening our sense of “community” and working with National Commander Gary Ginsburg for both JWVA and JWV.

Here’s to a great year!

Sincerely,

Jo Reingold

National President