The month of Tammuz (which begins on July 4th this year) signifies the beginning of the summer tekufa (the year is split into 4 seasons, each one called a tekufa, and named after the first month in this three-month period. So, the summer period in the Jewish calendar is called Tekufat Tammuz).

While for some of us the summer is a slower, more relaxing time professionally, for those involved in summer programming such as camp it is the busiest time of the year! Either way it is a perfect opportunity to take stock of the deeper meaning behind the work we do.

Despite recent headlines, and ongoing challenges faced by Jews and Jewish communities in Europe, Jewish life is thriving in many places, fulfilling to those who are engaged, and a phenomenon very much of the present.

Read the full article by Dani Serlin, Yesod Director, published on eJewish Philanthropy to see what we’ve learned from the hundreds of professionals we’ve engaged to date and the areas we can help them flourish and make our communities stronger.