The Talmud teaches us, "All Jews are responsible for one another." Each year, through their contribution to the Annual Tzedakah Campaign, our Madison community members honor this Jewish value. This year, our campaign began in a pandemic, which brought with it tremendous uncertainty and anxiety. How many members of our community would find themselves out of work, or worse yet, sick with the virus? How badly would our Madison Jewish community be affected by the coronavirus disease itself? Would our donors have no choice but to make changes with their philanthropic giving that would impact our ability to support the local and global programs and services that depend on us?

It says something significant and humbling about the Madison Jewish community that several hundreds of people let us know we did not need to worry about their commitment to caring for our community, even in these challenging times. This year's 2020 Annual Tzedakah Campaign raised $926,495 - vitally needed funds that will strengthen and enrich Jewish life here in Madison and around the world. Many, many thanks to our 2020 Annual Tzedakah Campaign co-chairs, Joel Minkoff and Fred Gants, for their leadership, energy, and time. Our deep gratitude also goes to the many volunteer donor solicitors whose hard work and dedication were critical to the campaign's success. And most of all, to YOU, our donors. With your partnership, we are able to accomplish so much good together.

In Israel, you helped bring more than 3,000 immigrants from Ethiopia and India home. You expanded promoting religious pluralism so that more couples have choices in how to celebrate Jewish life and how to be married "Jewishly." In the former Soviet Union, you supplied PPE to JDC volunteers so they could visit the elderly homebound to deliver food and medicines without being afraid for their health. In Argentina, you fed thousands of hungry Jews, young and old.

Right here in Madison, you ensured funding levels to our local beneficiary agencies were maintained so they can continue to thrive - providing a home away from home at UW Hillel and Chabad at UW for students on campus and relieving loneliness and isolation for seniors at Jewish Social Services. You opened a kindergarten class at Gan HaYeled to accommodate this year's unique needs for families. You provided Camp Shalom with the additional resources needed for COVID-19 related requirements to open safely.

For making this, and so much more all possible, we say TODAH RABAH!

Alan Klugman
Executive Director
Jewish Federation of Madison
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