Each year, Merriam-Webster chooses a “word of the year.” The decision is based on a sampling of “lookups” on the company’s website which are driven by usage in media and public discourse over the previous 12 months. For 2018, the “word of the year” was “justice.” A number of events spurred public interest in justice, […]

NHSA is a leading voice in the human service sector and promotes collaboration among engaged organizations to advance the collective power, knowledge, strategy, and systems that build well-being in our communities. We achieved a great deal in 2018 toward our mission, and we look forward to kicking 2019 off with even higher aspirations in our […]

In our house, we use, at least, one Hanukkah menorah for each person present for the candle lighting. All are welcome to be part of the ceremony – they don’t need to be a family member or even Jewish. Hanukkah is a festival of freedom, resilience, and light, something anyone should be able to relate […]

Some years it is more difficult than others to be thankful. For many, this may be that year. At a time of raging wildfires, destructive storms, and unprecedented gun violence, so many in the United States have suffered and all of our lives have changed. And yet, Thanksgiving is upon us, and as we gather […]

Two Saturdays ago, I joined my fellow congregants at our synagogue to pray, socialize, and enjoy each other’s company. It is a true community experience. At the same hour, a hate-filled man armed with an assault rifle and three handguns entered the Tree of Life synagogue building in Pittsburgh and heinously murdered eleven worshippers. I […]