Supporting the Jewish Future
by Pauline E. Pankowski, Director of Development

Jewish education is all about the future - the future of our children, the future of our community. Parents almost always remember the first day of school and the possibilities they imagined for their children. Because even at the beginning of preschool or grade one, parents can't help but think about Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, graduation and beyond.

As a school and a community our eyes must also be fixed clearly on the future. We must not allow the current financial challenges that confront Associated and its families prevent our children from realizing their fullest potential. The current economic conditions make the cost of Jewish day school increasingly difficult to bear. Many families are for the first time being forced to seek financial assistance while many others require additional funding. The Jewish education of hundreds of children lies in the balance.

Associated's leadership is pursuing every possible means of reducing costs without eroding the quality of the educational experience. Still, the expectation is that, even with the very significant financial support of UJA Federation, budgets will be strained. Without the help of our supporters, we are not able to fulfill our dual mission of educational excellence and accessibility to the broadest range of students in the community.

We are counting on you and others in the community who understand the individual and collective power of Jewish education. While each of us grapples in our own way with current economic realities, we know it is you that has the vision to look beyond and see the future benefits that will be reaped by an investment in Jewish education today. We are certain that you will not keep today's challenges from allowing us to realize tomorrow's promise. Please support our Annual Campaign generously.