There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for the spring. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature – the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. ― Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder
The Tripod – Lay Leaders of Jewish Federation of Greater A2
Part I:
To Count. Be Counted. Belong.
For the next two years, out of necessity and also, perhaps a desire for ingenuity, the volunteer leadership (or lay) of the Jewish Federation of Greater A2 will be championed by something we are calling the Tripod. Technically, we have one board president and two VP’s (hence, the tri) but more metaphorically we envision the Tripod’s approach to governance as less procedural, less hierarchical, and more organic, and more collective, equitable and balanced.
If one of leg of the tripod, for example, has to campaign to become a judge, or advocate for some of the most vulnerable, or save a cat, then the other legs of the tripod can take on the extra weight for awhile, or hold the rest of the tripod up so it remains standing, present, and accessible. You get the idea.
Here, through WJN over the next couple of months, each part of the Tripod will share their own personal hopes and vision as it relates both to the Jewish Federation and/or to the Jewish community writ large. As a convenor in this community , and one that strives to represent and reflect the diversity – ideologically, spiritually, in practice, in color, in geography, -it is critical that we, as the Jewish Federation’s Tripod, share/show the individuality and complexity of our dynamic Jewish community. And, it is in this space of sharing that we hope to cultivate a sense of possibility, belonging and hope as we connect, collaborate and convene.
Tripod- Board Chair, Jessica ‘Decky’ Alexander
I became a birder, way before the pandemic made it stylish and sexy. I became a birder years ago, when my cat Uno, an incredibly skilled hunter, would set these frayed feathered beings at my feet, thrilled at her ability to gift me something. I thought at least I can figure out who these beings were besides, dead. And soon, I was bringing binoculars everywhere, carrying a bird book, and keeping journal of all the birds that were either passing through or rooting themselves here, for a life/time.
The journey of birds is a parallel to the story of this community and county, both Jewish and non. The constant of Washtenaw County is indeed change; it’s transient and, like birds, incredibly migratory; some people stay for a season, some two and some forever. Yes, it’s easier to identify/connect the ones that root and nest, but the ones that are here for a breeze, less so. But they count. Just as much.
This year the Jewish Federation in partnership with many Jewish individuals and local organizations is launching a community demographic study. Overall, the survey seeks to help us better know – Who is here? How did they arrive? How long did they stay? How do they nest? Who is part of their flock? Do they feel like they belong? What would help?
Part of the role, as I understand/believe of the Jewish Federation, and Federations across the country is to ensure a vibrant (and safe, and accessible) Jewish community. But, simply put, if we do not know who is here, how do we know what vibrancy should even look like? Is it schools? Is it youth programming? Seniors? Is it meet-ups? Is it service? Is it story? We just do not know, yet.
For this year, and perhaps the next, our Tripod’s /Jewish Federation’s priority is for those in our community to be valued. To be heard. To be counted. To count. And perhaps like me, you’ll end up staying past a season or two, and building a life full of constants and change.
L’Shana Tova.
The Tripod:
Jessica ‘Decky’ Alexander, Board Chair -deckyalexander@jewishannarbor.org
with..
Debra Chopp, VP, debra@jewishannarbor.org
Marla Linderman Richelew, marla@jewishannarbor.org