Nathan’s August 2021 Newsletter
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” – Anonymous.
Grateful
It is a bit unusual for me to be writing my monthly update from the U.S., but I am so happy to spend time with my family while having some great meetings here on the East Coast.
I was thinking about the word that I wanted to use to start this letter, and all I could think of is grateful. This one word doesn’t capture how I feel, but I have realized that the things that matter most are always the hardest to explain. I’m not the most emotional of people but what I’m feeling right now is quite extraordinary.
I have to start with my family. Seeing my parents meet our daughter for the first time made me feel very odd inside (as I said, I’m not the most emotional person, but some weird things were happening, nothing on the outside, though😊). Then my 90-year-old grandmother, Mimi, Pop-Pop, Bubbie, Zedie, aunts, uncles, and cousins were all able to meet our little Ruti (15 months) while also seeing our 2.5-year-old Eitan, which was just the best feeling. While we love sending videos before every Shabbat and making video calls regularly, nothing beats being with those closest in person. As I said before in one of my letters, I appreciate these moments much more, thanks to Corona. Crazy to think it has been two years since I was in the U.S.
Now to the GCI. Again, the word grateful doesn’t cut it but launching our pre-application for our flagship program a few weeks ago was such a significant accomplishment for the team. We spent so much time creating the best program in the world, entirely focused on our future students being successful wherever they go on their culinary journeys. It would take me forever to thank all those who have contributed to creating this program because we got help from many people. Whether it be from the summit we held in September 2020 or calls and guidance we received from top professionals in the industry, I’m super humbled by the support we have received. The JNF family is an awesome one to be a part of, as not only are the JNF team members incredible, but partners and affiliates have stepped up, allowing this program to start from an idea and turn into a reality.
Just like with my family, meeting people we’ve worked with for over a year via technology like Randall from the Rouxbe team to partners and the JNF team, being in person makes a world of difference. The intangibles cannot be duplicated (at this time and maybe ever) because the internal feeling you get in the same room as a person, that gut feeling, or intuition, is priceless. It has been great to finally see everyone here in the U.S. after such a long time.
So far, the pre-application process is going great, and we have a very diverse group of people that have started the application, which is exactly what we were hoping for. The pre-application for this first cohort will be open until the end of the year, and then we will invite those whom we feel are a compatible fit to continue through the entire application. Take a look at our flagship program page and brochure; there is lots of great information about our program.
Last, I know the holidays are coming, and this will be my last letter before the Jewish Holiday season starts on the evening of September 6th. Yes, while writing this, I know that Covid is creeping back, but everything will work out; it’s just a matter of time. The current Jewish month of Elul is a time for reflection, looking at where we are currently at in life and where we want to go. It’s time to look at what is working and what needs to be worked on. Take time this month to dig deep, think about the most important aspects of life, and make an effort to stay close. Politics are the worst, dividing some of the closets of friends and family, so do your best to reconnect with those you care about while you still can. It is not easy, but worth it in the long run.
I wish everyone a fantastic year, a Ketiva Vachatima Tovah L’shana Tova Umetuka, signed and sealed for a sweet and healthy year, especially during these uncertain times. I’m incredibly optimistic about the future and looking forward to seeing everyone in person.
L’chaim (To life)
Nathan