Twice as Many Reasons

by Nina Fondiller Woldin

My birthday is on December 30th, the day before New Year’s Eve, which gives me twice as many reasons as most people to reflect on the past year and to try to prepare for what might be coming in the year ahead.

It feels as if my personal passage intertwines with our collective journey, and I wanted to write an optimistic blog about Jewish resilience and community, but found it hard to focus on reasons for optimism and examples of actions we might take.

I was sitting in my usual spot in the cockpit of my boat in front of my computer when my neighbor Raquel walked down the finger dock. A sweet, tiny woman who moved to the US from South America many years ago, she is 88 years old, but if you met her, you would think she’s about 75 – and that’s only because her hair is white. Her husband (a sailor, skydiver, and chess master) was 89 when he passed away in September. 

Our dock is a family, and everyone looks out for Raquel. She is rarely alone, but as I stood up to say hello, she didn’t look well.  “How are you?” I said, and she answered, “Not so good.” “Do you feel OK?” I asked, thinking it was something physical, but she answered, “No, my heart hurts.” As I stood on the dock hugging Raquel, my focus returned. I thought of Ecclesiastes (4:9-10): “Two are better than one… For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow…”

And then the way to resilience and optimism became obvious,
and the actions to take were clear.

And then the way to resilience and optimism became obvious, and the actions to take were clear. No matter what the coming year brings, we need to support one another – and I am thrilled that Chai Mitzvah offers so many opportunities to do so!

It’s time to share experiences like small group discussions – either in a group you start, or online through Chai Mitzvah’s virtual classes. You might take a deep dive into topics affecting the Jewish community, learning from and discussing with leading academicians through Scholars Circle. 

Whatever you choose, let’s embrace the new year with unity and strength! Happy 2026!