“ The Super Event”: An Evening of Voice and Visibility
The Charlotte Jewish News- March 2026- Page 7 Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte
The Power of Words: Amen
By Jessica Goldfarb
Amen is one of the most familiar Hebrew words we use, yet it is often one of the least examined. We say it at the end of a prayer, after a blessing, or in response to words that resonate deeply. It can feel automatic, almost reflexive.
The Hebrew root of amen comes from נ ־ מ ־ א( aleph – mem – nun), the same root as emunah( faith) and ne’ eman( trustworthy). At its core, amen means
emerging needs, and invest in Jewish life today and for generations to come.
Super Sunday has long been a cornerstone of the Annual Campaign, powered by volunteers who are willing to reach out,
Super Sunday Snow Day
( Continued from page 1) listen, and ask others to join in supporting the community they care about. This year’ s storm added an unexpected layer of challenge, but it also highlighted something deeper: even when plans change, the commitment remains.
As the 2026 Annual Campaign
true, reliable, or so it is. When we say amen, we are not simply signaling agreement; we are affirming belief. We are saying,“ I stand behind these words,” or“ Let this be made real.”
Amen is also inherently communal. It is rarely said alone. One voice offers a prayer or a blessing, and others respond. In that moment, amen transforms individual words into a shared intention. Outside of prayers, amen carries meaning in everyday life as well. It appears in moments of agreement, solidarity, and resolve. When someone articulates a hope, a responsibility, or a call to action, amen becomes a quiet pledge. It signals alignment with values we want to uphold. In this way, amen functions not only as a religious response but also as an expression of collective responsibility.
This idea of shared affirmation lies at the heart of community.
continues, Super Sunday stands as an early reminder that Jewish Charlotte moves forward together, adapting when necessary and always rooted in connection, generosity, and shared responsibility.
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte( JFGC) exists to bring individual voices together and transform them into collective impact. Each pledge, each act of participation, each moment of showing up is its own form of amen. It is a statement of trust in our shared future and a commitment to one another. Together, we affirm that caring for Jewish life, strengthening community, and standing up for our values are responsibilities we hold in common.
In Jewish life, we use words of learning and debate, of storytelling and advocacy. Amen reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful word is a simple affirmation: a moment of shared belief, a collective yes.
May we continue to use amen with intention, allowing this small word to ground us in community, connection, and our responsibility to one another— as individuals and As One.