We will soon be celebrating the Jewish New Year. In the tradition of "Rosh Hashanah", the members of the Eshkol Regional Council Steering Committee send to you our heartfelt wishes for good health, good income, much happiness and joy, and lives enriched through achievement.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those individuals in both Eshkol and North East New York who worked on the various Partnership 2000 activities, who served on the committees and who volunteered for special tasks and responsibilities during this past year.

I also wish to thank the professionals of the Jewish Agency, North East New York and the Eshkol Regional council whose work was essential for the success of our system of volunteers.

The element of partnership in our efforts is extremely important to the members of the Eshkol steering committee. We hope in the coming year to increase the level of partnership and cooperation through direct dialogue. We feel that such dialogue is the best means to develop and expand the P2K programs and to create real friendships.  Dialogue also helps us to remain aware of the needs and sensitivities of the two communities. In short, we promise to do our best to strengthen the living bridge between the Eshkol Region and North East New York.

All of us have one very important goal and that is to insure the continued existence of a united Jewish people both here in Israel and in North East New York. We all have a mighty desire to preserve Jewish identity and create communities that are rich in Jewish culture and social cohesion. This can be done by educating the next generation in our communities. If we each do what we can, then we will accomplish what we must and surely the coming year will be a good one for us.

I conclude with a portion from the Rosh Hashanah prayer book:

"May it be your will, our God and God of our fathers, that you will grant us a sweet and good new year from its beginning to its end,"

To all of us a year of peace, serenity and friendship. 
Hava Milla