Shabbat Shalom,

Those who know me well know that I enjoy a good bourbon.

Now, before anyone starts wondering whether this week's Shabbat message is headed in an unexpected direction, bear with me.

One of the things I appreciate most about bourbon is that it cannot be rushed. The finest bourbons spend years aging in charred oak barrels. During that time, the whiskey slowly absorbs the character of the wood. Heat, cold, time, patience — even the imperfections in the barrel — all contribute to creating something richer, smoother, and more complex than it was when it began. A master distiller will tell you that great bourbon isn't made overnight. It is crafted over time.

It struck me that the same is true of building a Jewish community. Strong communities don't appear overnight. They are built one relationship at a time, one volunteer at a time, one act of kindness at a time. They are shaped by generations of people who choose to invest not just their resources, but also their time, wisdom, and passion.

One could say that the true measure of a community is found in the people who quietly show up — those who volunteer without seeking recognition, who lend a helping hand when no one is watching, who celebrate each other's joys and stand beside one another during life's most difficult moments. It is also found in the dedicated professionals of the Jewish Alliance who come to work each day not for recognition, but because they believe deeply in our mission. Their compassion, resilience, and commitment often happen behind the scenes, but they are essential to everything we accomplish. Together, these volunteers, lay leaders, donors, and staff give our Jewish community its depth and character, and they remind me why I remain so optimistic about our future.

There is another lesson bourbon reminds me of. Every barrel is unique. Two barrels filled on the same day can mature differently. Neither is wrong; each develops its own character. Our Jewish community is much the same. We come from different backgrounds. We practice Judaism differently. We hold different opinions. Yet each of us brings something valuable to the collective. Our diversity doesn't weaken our community — it enriches it.

As many of you know, this will be my final Shabbat message as Interim CEO of the Jewish Alliance. Serving in this role has been an extraordinary privilege. I am deeply grateful for your trust, your partnership, and your unwavering commitment to Jewish life in Rhode Island.

As I prepare to pass the baton to Steven Baker, I do so with great optimism. Like a well-aged bourbon that continues to improve over time, I believe the Jewish Alliance is well-positioned for its next chapter – to continue to get better. The foundation is strong because of the countless individuals who have invested in it over many years, and I know that under new leadership, it will continue to grow and flourish.

This Shabbat, may we appreciate the blessings that come with time: friendships that deepen, traditions that endure, communities that grow stronger, and the opportunity for each of us to leave the next generation something even better than we received.

The finest things in life — whether a well-aged bourbon or a vibrant Jewish community — are worth the patience, care, and commitment they require.

Thank you for allowing me to share these weekly reflections with you. They have been as meaningful for me to write as I hope they have been for you to read.

Shabbat Shalom, 
Harris Chorney 
Interim President and CEO