The Charlotte Jewish News- September 2025- Page 2 Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte
One Year In: Standing Together, Moving Forward
The Kolett Family
By Adam Kolett, JFGC CEO
In a year marked by war in Israel, rising antisemitism, and rapid growth here in Charlotte, one truth has stood out: Jewish Charlotte is strong, resilient, and ready for what’ s next.
This fall marks one year since I stepped into my role as CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte. Like many who move to this city, my family and I were drawn to Charlotte’ s growth, quality of life, and welcoming spirit. For me, there was something more: the chance to lead a Federation with a proud history, a vibrant present, and the courage to confront an uncertain future.
The past year has not been simple. Our Jewish world has faced ongoing war in Israel, with the complicated realities of needed defense and the painful images of suffering that come with it. We’ ve seen a continued rise in antisemitism, requiring Federation to make significant investments in security and advocacy. We’ ve also pushed ourselves to show our next generation— through action, not just words— the relevance and power of Jewish community and tradition, especially when it comes to the importance and complexity of Israel.
One way we’ ve done this is through our Leaders for Tomorrow( LFT) program, which equips high school students to advocate for the Jewish people,
Israel, and human rights. LFT graduates enter college with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage in difficult conversations about antisemitism and Israel, and to serve as positive change agents for their peers and communities.
Through it all, I have seen what makes Jewish Charlotte extraordinary: at Shalom Park, where children learn, families celebrate, and seniors are taken care of with dignity; in our synagogues and schools; at volunteer events and community rallies; in moments of joy and in times of crisis. I have seen it in the way our community shows up for one another— proudly and with deep compassion.
Federation is at the heart of it all: supporting our local agencies, strengthening our ties to Israel, investing in security, and ensuring that Jewish life in Charlotte is strong, relevant, and welcoming for everyone.
As our city continues to grow, so too does our responsibility.
We must protect what makes this community so special while embracing new voices, meeting new needs, and finding new ways to connect people to Jewish life.
To those already engaged with Federation, thank you for all you do to sustain and strengthen this community. To those we haven’ t yet met, we are here and eager to involve you. Whether it’ s through philanthropic intention, attending an event, volunteering, exploring Jewish identity, or simply starting a conversation, there is a place for you in Jewish Charlotte.
When Francine and I accepted this role, we knew we were taking on far more than a job. In Pirkei Avot, we learn that we are each part of a chain— receiving the work of those who came before us and carrying it forward for those who will follow. Each day, I strive to stand on the shoulders of the visionary leaders who built this vibrant community, while helping ensure it remains strong L’ dor V’ dor— from generation to generation. I am fortunate to be inspired and supported in this work by an extraordinary team of professionals and volunteers who share the same passion and values.
We are proud to call Charlotte home, to raise our children sideby-side with each of you, and to work together toward a Jewish future filled with strength, compassion, and connection.
After one year, I can say with certainty: Charlotte’ s Jewish community is strong. It is resilient. And most importantly, it is poised to achieve even greater things together.
We wish you a Shana Tova Tikatevu— a sweet, healthy, and happy New Year.
- Adam, Francine, Matan, Aviva, and Noa
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THE CHARLOTTE JEWISH NEWS
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The Charlotte Jewish News strives to be the leading source for news and features of special interest to the local Jewish community, to highlight the voices and stories that reflect the diversity of Jewish life in Charlotte, and to communicate the mission, activities, and accomplishments of Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte and its partners.
The Power of Words:
Shalom Beyond Hello & Goodbye
By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist
In Hebrew, there are several common words and phrases that carry profound meaning for Judaism, for Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, and for our community, encapsulating the values that shape the essence of Jewish life. Whether you are familiar with these words and phrases or have never heard them, their significance within the context of our community is worth exploring further.
At first glance, shalom is a word of greeting. A warm“ hello” or a kind“ goodbye.” However, in Hebrew, shalom is so much more. It means peace, yes, but not peace in the passive sense. Shalom is a state of wholeness, harmony, and safety. It is peace that must be nurtured, safeguarded, and sustained.
The word shalom comes from the Hebrew root. ם. ל. ש.( shinlamed-mem), which means completion, fullness, or wholeness. It’ s the same root as shlemut( integrity) and shalem( complete). This linguistic connection reveals something profound: peace isn’ t simply the absence of conflict— it’ s the presence of something greater. It’ s a completeness that touches every corner of our lives, from how we treat each other to how we care for the spaces we inhabit.
At Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte and in Jewish tradition as a whole, shalom is
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