True Kingdom of God...Zemayesh

From my friend Joyce Spielberger: This is truly community. It is what we need to be about as the capital "C" Church universal:

I recently returned from Israel where I had the privilege of attending our Partnership 2000 steering committee meetings in our sister city of Rosh Ha'ayin. The day before the meetings began, I was at a marina in Herzilya where I saw a boat with the name "Zemayesh" written on it. Loosely translated, Zemayesh means "this is what we have" or as we might say in America, "what it is, it is." And, of course, like an Israeli, you add a gesture and shrug your shoulders as you say "Zemayesh."

Zemayesh, this is what we have. I don't know why but the expression continued to resonate with me throughout my time in Israel...as I spoke to the Israeli people, as I looked out the window of our bus at the scenery and as I visited programs our Federation and Foundation support. Zemayesh.

I thought, Zemayesh, this is what we have in Israel...arid, barren desert; yet, Israelis have learned to grow crops, creating revolutionary techniques to irrigate by bringing desalinated water all the way from Ashkelon to grow vineyards, crops such as cherry tomatoes, and Eucalyptus trees in the Negev.

Zemayesh, this is what we have in Israel...the most hospitable people, who love for you to drop in unannounced and visit with them, any time of the day. Zemayesh...amazing, resilient people who want nothing but for their children and their children's children to grow up in an Israel that is safe and secure, a place where they can live in peace. Zemayesh, this is what we have.

Our Federation understands Zemayesh. We raise dollars each year and Zemayesh, this is what we have. However, for us, too, it is not only Zemayesh, it is also "Zeh She'mah Osim" -- "this is what we do."

Zeh She'mah Osim...so we can be sure that nowhere in the world a Jewish person goes in need. Zeh She'mah Osim...so that children and communities in Southern Israel have the physical and emotional support they need as they live in fear of rocket attacks. Zeh She'mah Osim...so that we can help each of our local agencies contribute and enrich our Jewish and broader communities. Zeh She'mah Osim...so that we can build vital, collaborative partnerships with the broader community to benefit Birmingham as a whole.

Yes...Zemayesh...the dollars you contribute...this is what we have; and yet Zeh She'mah Osim...this is what we can do together, through our Federation and Foundation. There is so much we do, continue to do, and will do, thanks to your support. Todah rabbah! Thank you very much.