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"Hineni."

In Hebrew, it simply means "Here I am" but within our tradition, those two words carry so much more weight. It's not just a statement of presence. It's a declaration of readiness. A willingness to step forward when something important needs to be done, even when it's hard, even when it would be easier to wait for someone else to act.

This year's YJP Hineini Gala is a celebration of how this spirit lives in our community and of four people in our community who've embodied it. Today we want to introduce one.

Alex Ball answered a call. A mensch all the way from California, Alex first participated in Rosh Hashana and the seder. But then at a mensch club he came up to the rabbi with a quesiton.

In 2023 our community was growing but we needed an open easy acess space for the community to gather and for friendships to be made.

Alex stepped up to launch the Third Thursday Happy Hour, which has grown into arguably YJP's most beloved social event. From just a few people Alex has grown the Happy Hour to over 150 participants. You might have participated yourself!

Even more than just the happy hour Alex is the kind of person who's always there when the community needs him, consistently showing up and leading whenever he's called upon.

Alex reminds us that community doesn't build itself. It's built by the people who stop waiting and start doing.



We can't wait to celebrate him with you.

Warmly, [Your Name/Organization Name]