Fellowship demonstrates power of community

   I grew up in the North Shore of Milwaukee, and like most Jews growing up when and where I did, I’ve known nothing other than it is cool to be Jewish.

   There, it’s easy to take for granted what past generations have done to create this vibrant Jewish community we live in. So how do we make sure that this life we were blessed with continues for the next generation?

   It was almost two years ago that I was presented with an opportunity to better myself and my community. I was given the honor of being asked to join the George Weinstein Fellowship.

   This fellowship was created through a donor advised fund of the Jewish Community Foundation, the endowment development program of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.

   I had heard of it, and knew it was something special, but had little idea of what I was being asked to do.

   The fellowship is a program designed to educate about the work of the MJF and its constituent agencies, introduce leadership opportunities and strengthen our bond to the community.

   Our group, Weinstein 4, comprised people of many different backgrounds in a way that really symbolizes Milwaukee — Orthodox, Reform, married, single, even non-Jewish.

   But we all had one common bond, Judaism was in some way part of our lives. Some were already very involved with the MJF, and others had avoided it in the past.

   I am 27-years-old, so it would be foolish to talk about the past as if I lived it, but I will share what I’ve learned from others who have.

   Through community financial support, the MJF was built to enhance the quality of Jewish life and to build a strong, unified Jewish community in Milwaukee, in Israel and throughout the world (yes, the mission statement).

   Historically, donations were made and commitments were given. Just for the fact of being Jewish, it was something you did.

   That doesn’t seem to be the trend for my generation. It’s important for programs like Weinstein and other initiatives to engage young adults into building upon something that is much bigger than themselves.

   Although it was an amazing honor to be asked to be a Weinstein fellow, I was hesitant at first to do it. I didn’t want to experience something like this, especially the culmination of the program, a group trip to Israel, without my wife Kimmy.

   Kimmy is not Jewish, and historically would not have been given the opportunity, but she was invited and together we were thrilled to embrace this program. In one gesture, the MJF became a very inclusive organization that we are very proud to be part of now and in the future.

   I have always had a network around me that would help, no questions asked, because I was part of the “group.” It is critical for others to understand the power of that, and that it’s there regardless of how much you go to synagogue or how much you financially give.

   Make a commitment to bettering the community, and the community will be there to better you.

   What I learned through the Weinstein Fellowship program is that there are so many different ways to get involved. We need to help people find a way to participate so they are excited to give both time and money.

   The stronger the organizations are in the Jewish community, the bigger our networks become, the more we will continue to see a great way of life.

   Weinstein 4 comes to a close with graduation this month. There are a lot of people in our community whom I would like to publically thank for all the support they have given to us.

   Unfortunately, when putting the list together and all they have done, there wasn’t enough room in the Chronicle. You know who you are, and from the bottom of our hearts thank you for making the community we live in a better place.

   What I will take from the program is the knowledge and inherent power that comes with it to better someone’s life as many have done for us.

   For those reading this who are involved with the MJF or their synagogue or other Jewish life, find someone who isn’t and invite them to do something. Help someone find their passion, show them the power of community, and the impact of creating a greater good.

   For those who want to do more, find someone to do it with, whether it’s someone with similar involvement, more or less, do something new with someone you know.

   And those who want to start small, connect with a friend in this community and have a different conversation than normal, you never know what that conversation could lead to.

   Let’s make sure it’s always cool to be Jewish.

   Jordan Herbert is business development specialist at M3 Insurance Solutions, Inc., located in Waukesha.