Happy Labor Day!

Dear friends,

This year it has been 130 years since Labor Day was first declared a federal holiday in the United States. More than just a long weekend (for some), this holiday celebrates American workers.

At Leading Edge, we have long believed in celebrating the people who are the Jewish nonprofit sector. So as we begin Labor Day weekend, we want to take this moment to acknowledge everyone who makes this remarkable sector function. And since good feedback must be specific — even positive feedback — we want to spell out what that means, and how much your work in this field means.

Since October 7th, the Jewish nonprofit sector has put its effort and expertise into overdrive. But even before this painful time, this field’s work has always been astounding. 

Every day: 

• Jewish humanitarian organizations and their partners work to solve the most urgent and pressing problems around the world. 
• Jewish human service agencies provide vital support to people struggling with poverty, isolation, unemployment, physical and mental health needs, abuse, and other issues. 
• JCCs, and Jewish arts and cultural organizations bring deep religious and cultural meaning into people’s lives.
• Early childhood centers, Jewish schools, camps, social engagement organizations, and campus institutions enrich the lives of children and adults, and pass on the full richness of Jewish life from generation to generation. 
• Jewish federations, foundations, national umbrella organizations, and other Jewish institutions work tirelessly behind the scenes to help this ecosystem of organizations, and the community it serves, to grow and thrive.

You — the people of our sector — are what drives all this impact.

From all of us at Leading Edge to everyone who works, leads, and serves in the Jewish nonprofit sector: Thank you for doing what you do. Thank you for working together with us to ensure we all support each other, grow together, and make this sector a place where every person and every organization thrives.

Happy Labor Day!

The Leading Edge team