By Miriam Abramovich
Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of leading a delegation of eight extraordinary women to the Jewish Federations of North America’s General Assembly (GA) in Washington, DC. This gathering brought together over 2,700 Jewish professionals and volunteer leaders, at a moment when the weight of our people’s history and the challenges facing world Jewry were acutely felt. The GA has always been a source of inspiration for me, but this year it felt like a lifeline—a collective grappling with uncertainty, an affirmation of the resilience of our people, and a reminder of the power of our collective.
Judaism offers a clever insight into the nature of shared experiences like a national conference: “As iron sharpens iron, so a wo(man) sharpens the wit of her (his) friend.” (Proverbs 27:17). The implication being that any person’s strength or success is not entirely innate, rather it is cultivated and sharpened through relationships and exchange. At the GA, the act of sharpening took on many forms: discussions about security infrastructures, personal reflections on identity and loss, and conversation about the shifting needs and aspirations of contemporary Jewish families. The process was not always comfortable—true sharpening rarely is—but it was profoundly necessary.
The esteemed Rabbi Jonathan Sacks had much wisdom to share on this idea that in relationships, we sharpen and strengthen one another: “Friends matter. They shape our lives … It matters to have friends who have honesty, integrity, generosity of spirit, and loyalty. It helps to make friends with people who embody the virtues to which you aspire.” – Judaism’s Life-Changing Ideas
Each of the eight women in our Buffalo delegation brought unique expertise, passion, and insight to our GA conference experience. Through casual conversations in between sessions, deeper discussions over dinner, and texting ideas during plenaries, we identified potential solutions to some of the most pressing challenges we face in Jewish Buffalo. These moments of friendship, honest dialogue, laughter, and exchanging of ideas were so incredibly special. They were a reminder that the strength of our community lies in the leaders who give of their full selves, who show up with generosity and integrity, and who are not afraid to serve as a sharpening stone for others. It is, in these moments of genuine connection—standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other leaders, with friends, where we can look for strength and wisdom.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I am moved by a sense of gratitude not only for the friends and partners who inspire and teach me but also for the gift of being part of a community that values collective wisdom. May we all find a deep gratitude for those who walk beside us in this life, helping us to become ever sharper and ever wiser.
Miriam Abramovich is the CEO of The Buffalo Jewish Federation.
