On Saturday, November 11, as a prelude to the joyful kumsitz (song fest) that would follow, incoming President Bob Barkin shared his vision for JRF.

Read the entire speech.

Here is an excerpt:

We have great contributions to make in repairing the world. In our parasha this week, Vayera, Abraham pleads, even negotiates with Adonai, to spare the lives of the wicked people of Sodom and Gomora if only he can find a few righteous individuals. In fact, Midrash says that Abraham was chosen as the patriarch of our people specifically because he would stand up to even the Highest Power in the defense of justice. And, today we note further that Abraham’s example is even more remarkable because he was working not just for his own family, not just for his own tribe, but on behalf of all humanity. His sense of social justice is a guide for us today.