2. Address how economic privilege shapes the experience of Jewish life. Wealth is on conspicuous display at the General Assembly. Lion of Judah, the women’s philanthropy arm of the federation system, offers golden Lion of Judah pins adorned with rubies, diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds to communicate the value of a woman’s financial contribution to federations. I support celebrating those who contribute financially to Jewish life. But if financial generosity is the only contribution we esteem publicly, we eclipse the commitment and hard work of so many others. I propose that in addition to honoring philanthropic leadership, JFNA should honor leadership that is measured by time and wisdom invested in Jewish community. Imagine a GA in which the golden Lions of Judah are joined by the glimmer of some symbol of contributed time and labor. The honor we give our philanthropists will only be heightened by widening the circle of distinction.

3. Engage with the broader socioeconomic reality and understand that affluence comes with social responsibility. The GA must move beyond the bubble of its own privilege. This year’s GA devoted virtually no attention to the Occupy Wall Street movement that is sweeping the country, and arguably, the world. To be sure, the Occupy movement raises complex questions that discomfit the affluent. But if JFNA wants to be relevant and appeal to 99 percent – or even 51 percent – of the Jewish community, it cannot ignore the throngs still filling city squares long after the GA’s bright lights dim. At next year’s GA, let’s be sure that these issues of wealth and inequality are part of our communal conversation. Many of us who are proud to be part of the organized Jewish community are also working for a more just, egalitarian society in the clear light of day.

On leaders and lions

Being a plenary speaker is the closest I’ll ever come to being on an Oscar stage.