These words are written midway into the joyous holiday of Hanukkah, as half of the lights have been lit and the remaining half await being lit. This juncture-point suggests to me the tension between two Judaic principles, one being the “pirsuma nisa”, the proclamation of the miracle of Hanukkah, represented by the kindling of the lights, and the other, the rabbinic adage that “ayn somkhin al ha-nes”, that we are not to be dependent upon miracles.

Perhaps this midpoint is the place where Masorti Olami appropriately finds itself. First, we are inspired by the achievements, worldwide, that have enabled the growth of Masorti Olami even as we continue to wrestle with the challenges of a global pandemic. Secondly, this midpoint offers us the opportunity to look back at what we have achieved this year and what we have yet to accomplish in the next year. This annual review will do just that.

We present you here with the work of Masorti Olami in 2021, as we prepare to enter the new year and to continue to grow our Movement around the world. That our efforts span six continents attests to the heroic efforts of our volunteers, and our amazing professional team of Suzanne Farber, Nilli Glick-Asaf, Chani Goldengreen, Adriana Ostrofsky, Gal Raij, Tehila Reuben, Ariela Rosemberg-Garbatzky, and Cassandra Weinstein.

Yes, there is a miracle in progress worthy of recognition through which a tolerant traditionalism is penetrating Jewish religious life from South America, throughout Europe, with inroads in Africa and Asia and the Far East. Some of our communities are well established, while others are in their infancy, but all attest to a vitality and a purpose that motivates our work and strengthens our cause. But not to be dependent upon miracles is a necessary counterweight to our celebration.

So much has yet to be done in order to maximize our potential, to reach more communities and to strengthen and support those already under our umbrella. Funds need to be raised, strategies sharpened, visions formulated, articulated and actualized. And Masorti Olami has a long route to travel in order for the name and the cause to achieve the recognition and the awareness that we so need and deserve.

Let us therefore celebrate the lights already kindled in so many diverse places, our achievements over the past year, and to prepare for those yet to be lit, the opportunities that await us in 2022.

Then will the words of Megillat Esther, incorporated in our weekly Havdalah ritual, come closer to fruition: “The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor, so may it be for us!” With wishes for a fulfilling, joyous healthy and peaceful 2022.