A few blogs ago I attempted to answer the question , “what does the Federation do?” The question arose for a few reasons. One, it is always a good idea to take a moment, step back from the edge and make sure you are still on the correct path, and that your goals and methods are consistent with your mission statement. Let’s face it, we are constantly bombarded with news, data, and technology at an increasingly rapid rate. It is easy to lose one’s way without periodically checking the map or reevaluating the plan.

Secondly, one can still be on the correct path, but the journey can sometimes become laborious as opposed to a labor of love. Often there can be obstacles that were previously an afterthought, but now seem more difficult to overcome. It’s also easy to think that maybe the journey is not worth the effort and give up.

Thirdly, as time goes by the demographics, needs, and goals of communities can change. Over the years Greater Altoona and our Jewish community has changed from one generation to the next. Our physical numbers have significantly declined, our relationship with the greater Altoona community has changed, there is less generational continuity, i.e., our children become adults and find new lives and careers in other parts of the world, our jobs and professions have shifted. In essence the past path may no longer be available and a new route is needed to reach one’s goals.

As a result, some suggest that we are less connected to each other, less rooted to the community, less likely to pursue activities in partnership, and less concerned for the welfare of others. Is the pursuit or goal still so important to keep moving forward and putting forth the effort? Does a decrease in numbers or a decrease in enthusiasm make it too difficult to continue on the current path? Can the community still rally to make a difference. Are there enough people who still care?

These questions lead me to think about our Federation history. The things we have accomplished and the great work we continue to do. Looking for guidance and inspiration, I decided to read our Federation minutes. Where to start, well why not start at the beginning. For us, an excavation of the Federation file cabinets found 1943 to be the start of our written history.

Our documented history is nearly 75 years. Frank Titelman, Max Monarch, Charles Klatzkin, Abe Colbus, Sam Port, Sam Jubelirer, Israel Sky, Sam Maximon and Irv Bregman are alive and well in the minutes of the Greater Altoona Jewish Federation. Their efforts, love of Judaism and Altoona, and their vision have been passed to a generation of men and women we know and highly admire. Ed Petsonk, Steve Port, Howard Kenvin, Bert Leopold, Neil Port, Bernie Kron, Don Devorris, Bob Neidorf, Morley Cohn, Susan Leopold, Ed Giller, Alan Goldberg, Bill Wallen, Mickey Port, Neil Rudel, Michael Tomor, and Roz Sky have continued to build on the legacy of our founding fathers and taking the Federation to new levels of philanthropy, as well as an additional focus on social, cultural, and educational advancement.

So inspired, I felt our history should be available to our entire community. I am pleased to inform you that the minutes have been digitized and are now available on our website. If you take the time to read a little about our shared history you will be awed by what has been accomplished. Altoona is the little engine that could, and I believe we are still a community that can.

There is no other organization that welcomes Jews regardless of denomination, regardless of affiliation, and regardless opinion. The Federation is here to further the welfare of our local Jewish community and provide funding for organizations that support Jews and Judaism regionally, nationally and worldwide, including significant support for the State of Israel. We also aim to provide and help others with programs of Jewish content for our community in the areas of culture, spirituality and education.

Federation is a place that welcomes all who are interest in doing mitzvoth. As the Talmud says, “I did not find the world desolate when I entered it; my fathers planted for me before I was born: so do I plant for those who come after me.”

Not only is our leadership focused on mitzvoth, we strongly believe in the Jewish concept of chesed, treating others with loving kindness.

In this spirit we are putting out this HELP WANTED ad:

HELP WANTED: Individuals looking to further the mission of holiness on earth, by helping perpetuate the joy of Judaism in our community with mitzvoth and through chesed. No past experience necessary. Only requirements are a positive attitude, a desire to improve the Jewish experience in our community, a willingness to work with others in the spirit of cooperation and respect, and with an emphasis on community building. Let us remember, Kol Yisrael Averim Zeh v Zeh – Every Jew is Responsible for one another.

Please apply to Federation office.