The month of July is one filled with celebrations. We start the month off with Independence Day on the Fourth of July. For many people in the United States, the Fourth of July is an opportunity to celebrate the principles on which our country was founded while acknowledging the continued work of advancing justice, equity, and opportunity for all. At JFCS, this aligns with our core value of Kavod, or honoring the inherent dignity of every person. Upholding the freedoms of expression and religion for individuals of all backgrounds is essential to recognizing and respecting that shared humanity. 

While JFCS is guided by Jewish values, we serve people of all backgrounds; we feel that our Jewish values are inherently connected to a deep commitment to community. The Fourth of July offers an opportunity to reflect on the ideals that have shaped our country, the progress that has been made, and the work that continues to build a more just and inclusive society through both Jewish and general communal lenses. For generations, Jewish communities have been part of the American story, contributing to neighborhoods, institutions, and civic life while drawing strength from our core value of Kehilah, the relationships that connect us and strengthen our communities. As we mark this holiday, we recommit ourselves to fostering belonging and understanding for all. 

July closes with another meaningful reflection on unity and community: Tu B’Av, the Jewish festival of love, observed from the evening of July 28 through July 29. Sometimes described as the Jewish Valentine’s Day, Tu B’Av has roots in early Jewish history and is most often associated with romantic love. At the same time, the holiday also invites a broader appreciation of connection, reminding us of our place within the communities that surround and sustain us. The occasion comes just six days after Tisha B’Av, often regarded as the saddest day on the Jewish calendar because of its focus on hardship and loss (with the event commemorating the loss of the Holy Temples by the Babylonian and Roman Empires and the exile of the Jews from Jerusalem). After such a somber and reflective occasion, Tu B’Av offers a welcome shift toward hope. It provides us with a reminder that even in a world marked by pain, oppression, and uncertainty, love and light remain present. The holiday encourages us to notice and nurture those sources of goodness in our relationships, our communities, and the world around us. 

This month, we’re emphasizing the idea that while our country and world face real challenges, they are also filled with goodness worth nurturing and sharing. Though Independence Day and Tu B’Av are very different holidays, both point us toward love, freedom, community, and hope. Whether or not you are Jewish, we invite you to reflect on the communities you belong to and the role you play in strengthening their values. At JFCS, we believe everyone in Louisville deserves to live with dignity and purpose, and this month reminds us that those values extend far beyond our city, throughout our country and world. 

As you celebrate this month with family, friends, and your community, we hope you’ll also consider becoming part of the JFCS community. Whether you spend a few hours volunteering, make a gift to support our work, or simply help spread the word about our mission, you play a role in creating a more caring and connected Louisville. At our Annual Meeting, 2026 JFCS Volunteer of the Year Madeline Abramson left us with a simple but powerful reminder: “If you aren’t part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.” We couldn’t agree more. Every act of kindness, whether it’s lending a hand through the Sonny & Janet Meyer Food Pantry, advising on the JFCS MOSAIC Awards committee, visiting with older adults through the friendly visitor program, or making a donation to ensure these programs continue, helps build the kind of community we all want to live in. Thank you for being part of the solution and for helping JFCS create dignity and belonging for all; let us all remember that mission on the Fourth of July and beyond.