9
T
he passage of the Torah that we have just read has
been transmitted to us throughout the millenia.
Just as Moses called upon Joshua in biblical an-
tiquity, we are called today to take our place in the sacred
task of serving God, the Jewish people, and humanity.
The call to service and leadership lies at the core of
our institution’s mission. Our founders, Isaac Mayer
Wise and Stephen S. Wise, articulated a farsighted vision
that would nurture an authentic Judaism congruent with
modern life. Generations of teachers, scholars, students,
alumni, and lay leaders have carried that vision forward.
We are the beneficiaries of that vision, as today we mark
a milestone in Jewish history. All of us here are fulfilling a
larger, providential obligation. We are here also to affirm
our personal responsibility. And it is you, Rabbi Aaron
Panken, to whom we turn. We call upon you to guide
our College-Institute, the Reform Movement, and
klal
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artin
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We are here to support and advise you during challeng-
ing times:
•
A time when increasing assimilation brings forth more
and more North American Jews who do not identify
or affiliate themselves with the core institutions and
causes of Jewish life.
•
An era when our beloved State of Israel is beset by the
hostile threats of a destabilized region, a nuclear Iran,
a stalemate in the Israel-Palestinian peace process, and
the growing Israel boycott, divestment, and sanctions
movement.
•
A period when the world’s population is characterized
by a growing anti-Semitic prejudice.
•
And a moment when Jews around the globe still face
an uncertain future and episodes of violence.
And yet, we are also by your side to express our hopes
for a better future. We are here to help you realize our
shared dreams for:
•
A renewed golden age of Jewish life in our time.
•
A secure Israel blessed with peace.
•
And a world of justice, where human rights are
protected and the sanctity of life is upheld.
May God grant you the wisdom and strength to achieve
your aspirations. May you, together with your dear fam-
ily, find infinite fulfillment as you inspire and shape the
next chapter of our people’s destiny.