Hello,

As we approach Shabbat, I want to take a moment to introduce myself in a different way — not through a title, a meeting, or an agenda, but through the spirit that Shabbat invites us to share.

My name is Harris Chorney, and I was recently appointed Interim CEO of the Jewish Alliance.

Stepping into the role of Interim CEO is both an honor and a responsibility I hold with deep humility. I undertook this responsibility with a deep love for the Jewish Alliance — its mission and its values — and for the Rhode Island Jewish community. What has struck me most in these first days is the strength of this community — not only in its institutions and programs, but in its people: your commitment, your care for one another, your belief in the importance of Jewish life here in Rhode Island, and the strength and devotion of the people who make the Jewish Alliance work.

Shabbat gives us a weekly reminder of something essential. Before we build, plan, fix, or grow — we pause. We breathe. We remember who we are and why we do this work. At the Jewish Alliance, our work is about sustaining a vibrant Jewish future, caring for those in need, supporting learning and connection, and ensuring that no one in our community feels alone. That mission is not abstract — it lives in relationships, in shared responsibility, and in the quiet acts of generosity that often go unseen.

In the weeks ahead, I look forward to listening. I want to hear your hopes, your concerns, and your dreams for our community. My goal during this interim period is to help create stability, strengthen trust, and support the dedicated professionals and volunteers who carry this work forward every day.

May this Shabbat bring you rest from what feels heavy, connection with those you love, and a renewed sense of purpose for the week to come.

Shabbat Shalom, 
Harris Chorney 
Interim CEO