I am proud to be a Jew, to be part of an ancient people and a custodian of the values and principles that revolutionized society and form the basis of universal human rights today, but to also have the moral obligation to engage in the world around me and work tirelessly to build a brighter tomorrow. One that embodies the Jewish principles of tikkun olam, repairing the brokenness of the world, and of tzedek, justice.   

To hold these two contradictions within your heart, to carry the past and cherish our traditions but to always be looking forward in hope, immersed in elevating this world to a higher ideal to me is the essence of being a Jew.  

I am proud to be a Jew and to have this humbling responsibility, to turn our principles into action in all that I do, and to be a part of a people tasked as an Ohr La’Goyim, to be a light unto the nations striving always to be an example of what is good and right and just. To carry in my heart the legacy of a people who have overcome unimaginable odds but, despite the challenges, are here today - a small group of people making a remarkable impact across the globe.