In these last hours before Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar and a time of intense personal reflection and renewal, I’d like to share some thoughts about reclaiming Jewish identity.

We’ve been consumed of late, understandably, with life-and-death crises — in Israel, the broader Middle East, Ukraine, West Africa, and even Ferguson, Missouri. But, as Jews, we’re confronted today with another urgent situation — here in New York, in Israel, and around the world — regarding the current state of Jewish continuity.

During our recent UJA-Federation of New York Executive Committee mission to Israel, we met with Sallai Meridor, one of Israel’s most distinguished public figures who, among many notable roles, served as Israel’s ambassador to the United States from 2005-2009. A secular Jew, Sallai now serves as chair of Shearim — an organization co-funded by UJA-Federation — which advocates for increased Israeli government funding in the field of Jewish renewal. What inspires a man who’s devoted his career to securing the modern State of Israel to turn to the work of strengthening Jewish identity in Israel?

The answer is not simple.

Following his time in Washington, Sallai returned to a country facing existential military threats and confronting major social needs — a country, in his words, “living on the tip of a volcano.” And one might question, therefore, whether funding of Jewish renewal in Israel is an appropriate governmental priority.

Sallai came to the powerful conclusion — precisely because of the severe military threats and social needs — that Jewish renewal in Israel is itself a critical “security issue.” Why risk your life as an IDF solider if you don’t know what you’re fighting for? Why choose to live in Israel — as opposed to many countries with far less-threatening neighbors — if you don’t see profound meaning and purpose living and raising a family in Israel? But if young Israelis feel connected to the beauty of Jewish life as it uniquely exists in the Jewish state — the land, the traditions, the values — they will choose to stay and ensure Israel’s future, which is fundamentally tied to the future of the Jewish people wherever we are.

The importance of Sallai’s work is equally critical here and around the world. In the United States, the next generation’s sense of Jewish identity may not be a security issue, but it is essential to sustaining Jewish life for the future. And, as the 2013 Pew report makes starkly clear, we must continue to focus ever-greater attention and resources to strengthening our children and grandchildren’s connection to Jewish life.

Shortly before leaving for synagogue for Kol Nidrei, there is a beautiful custom for parents to bless their children. It is a simple prayer that our children continue the traditions and ethical values of our people and community.

G’mar chatimah tovah — and may our prayers be heard and accepted.

Shabbat shalom