Dear Friend,

Shana Tova! I hope the Jewish new year has begun with moments of sweetness, connection, and possibility for you and your loved ones. And as we approach Yom Kippur, I hope you are finding moments to pause and reflect.

One of the great gifts of beginning 5787 was seeing all three of my daughters and spending meaningful time with each of them. With busy lives and schedules, I’m reminded how precious it is to simply be together — to slow down, listen, laugh, and deepen the relationships that sustain us.

That feels especially important at the start of a new year. So much of what we do at the Good People Fund is rooted in relationships: taking the time to truly know people, understand what they need, and show up for one another. I’m thinking about how we can continue to nurture those connections — with family and friends, with our communities, and with the remarkable changemakers in the Good People Fund family — in the year ahead.

Next month, I’ll have another opportunity to deepen relationships when I travel to Israel with 18 people for the Good People Fund’s first-ever group trip to Israel to celebrate our 18th year. We’ll spend time with our grantees, see their work up close, and learn about the communities they serve.

If you’ll be in Israel at the same time — or if you live in Israel — please reach out! I’d love to connect with you.

Shana tova and g’mar chatima tova! Wishing you and those you love a sweet and meaningful new year.

Julie Fisher, Executive Director