I never met Steve Jobs. I wish I had, as I’ve devoured much that has been written about him. He seemed undaunted by difficulties or complexities. He disdained naysayers and admired those who plowed on, despite seemingly unsurmountable challenges.

There is no experience so transformational in understanding AJWS’s courageous and visionary grantees as witnessing their work and hearing their stories. In February 2018, Jim and Cathy Koshland are leading a cohort from the Bay Area to South India.

Since I was a child, my favorite Jewish festival has always been Tu Bish’vat—the new year for trees. Long before I heard about climate change and inconvenient truths, I had absorbed that humans needed trees for our survival. Today, the need for tree festivals is even more urgent.

The U.S. election is now a month behind us, and while little is clear, my colleagues and I believe the role of the NGO community—especially those who work for human rights—will become even more critical than ever.

“What can I do to help beyond the annual gift I make to AJWS?” This is a question I often field from Bay Area donors. There are numerous responses, including advocacy and ambassadorship. But, in my opinion, the best answer is “travel on an AJWS Study Tour.”