I believe in planting seeds. That is why this verse is the centerpiece of the work of our family foundation and why I am a longstanding supporter of Jewish youth education programs. My vision for the future includes a vibrant, dynamic and inclusive Jewish community that promotes the joys of Jewish giving, living and learning. This dream for tomorrow can be realized by investing in the education and development of Jewish young people today.

Our foundation recognizes the need to provide young people with a broad and diverse array of opportunities for Jewish learning and engagement. To this end, I am proud to support day schools and other establishments of formal education. But while the teachings in the classroom are critical to developing a Jewish mind, I believe that experiential programs, like those offered through youth groups, summer camps, service programs and Israel trips, are critical to nourishing a Jewish neshama, or soul.

Immersive Jewish experiences in informal environments make Judaism come alive. They foster life-long friendships. They inspire young people. They showcase the relevance of Jewish tradition, culture and community and bring meaning to the lives of over-extended twenty-first century teens.

While there is much we have accomplished, we are still leaving people out. At best, we are reaching twenty percent of Jewish youth through these experiential offerings, and these are the best vehicles we have for connecting young Jews to their Jewish identity. These realities require us to redouble our efforts to reach young people and meet them "where they are."

We must provide learning opportunities which respond to their unique needs. If young people are interested in the outdoors, service, technology, music, or the arts, then we must offer ways for them to pursue those passions within a Jewish context. We must create many gateways into Jewish life and fresh approaches to involving and inspiring young Jews. This is the only way to ensure the future of North American Jewry.

Yes, there is much more work to be done. These programs don't happen by themselves. Talented, charismatic educators are essential to the success and the impact of these programs. Unfortunately, there are simply not enough of these professionals to go around.

Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote:
What we need more than anything else is not text books but text people. It is the personality of the teacher which is the text that the pupils read; the text that they will never forget.

The educators and professionals working with Jewish youth today are our text people. They are poised to transform the lives of young Jews and to shape our Jewish future.

With the help of JEXNET, we must do more to nurture and develop committed, caring and skilled professionals. We must embrace those who are ready to devote their careers to the service of the Jewish people and must provide better training and professional development so that we can retain excellent professionals in the field.

JEXNET is seizing the opportunity to work across denominational lines in the spirit of Klal Yisrael. I hope you will join JEXNET in this vital work.