This Shabbat we begin the Book of Exodus, and with it, we meet Moses at the moment that will define his life. When he witnesses an Egyptian taskmaster beating a Hebrew slave, the Torah tells us: "He turned this way and that and, seeing no one about, he struck down the Egyptian."

The simple reading suggests Moses was checking to see if anyone was watching in order to make sure he wouldn't get caught. But another interpretation offers us something deeper, something that speaks directly to who we are as a community.

Moses wasn't looking to avoid detection. He was looking for someone else to act. He turned left, he turned right, scanning the landscape for another person - any person - who would step forward to stop the injustice unfolding before him. And when he saw no one coming, he understood: if this wrong was going to be righted, he would have to be the one to do it.

This is the moment Moses becomes Moses. Not when God speaks to him from the burning bush. Not when he stands before Pharaoh. Right here when he looks around, sees a need, finds no one else stepping up, and decides: I will.

This is exactly who we are at Jewish Peninsula. Our community isn't strong because we have perfect plans or unlimited resources. We're strong because we have people who look left, look right, and then step forward with their time, their energy and their treasure.

In the weeks ahead, you will be called on with a choice to act.

Super Sunday is on February 1st and this annual phone-a-thon is not possible without the dozens of volunteers who spend the day making phone calls, writing thank you notes and connecting personally with those who fuel our community. Our annual campaign is the engine that powers everything we do, and it is only possible through the generosity of our community. A few hours of your time translates into year-round programs, services and support that touch thousands of lives on the Peninsula, in Israel and around the world. Your voice and your generosity have the power to shape our community's future. When you lead, others follow. Please consider volunteering with us on Super Sunday.

Moses could have walked away. He could have assumed someone else would handle it. Instead, he chose to act. This Shabbat, I invite you to consider: where are you being called to step forward?

Shabbat Shalom,

Eric Maurer
CEO
emaurer@jewishpeninsula.org