This summer marks one year since I stepped into the role of Executive Director at SRE Network. Over the past twelve months, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside courageous leaders, values-driven funders, and professionals deeply committed to building a Jewish communal sector rooted in safety, respect, and equity. I’m reflecting with gratitude and clarity on where we’ve been and where we’re headed.

Here are five key takeaways from my first year at SRE:

1. Our community needs this work, and the opportunity ahead of us is enormous.
   At a time when so many in the Jewish community are navigating profound uncertainty and rising external threats, we’ve seen how essential it is to turn inward and ensure that our communal spaces are just, inclusive, and affirming. The urgency for culture change is happening in real time. I’ve heard directly from professionals and leaders across the country who are eager to do better, to lead differently, and to ensure their organizations are places where everyone can thrive. This hunger for growth and transformation reminds me just how necessary SRE’s work is.
2. Our north star remains clear: what can we do today?
   One of the most grounding questions we return to again and again is: What can we do today to make the Jewish communal sector safer, more respectful, and more equitable? While the challenges we face are complex, the call to action is simple. Every conversation, every training, every new policy is a step toward meaningful, measurable change. And while no single action is sufficient, together, these steps move us forward.
3. We have a strong foundation, which gives us permission to try new things.
   Thanks to years of dedicated work by those who came before me, SRE stands on a powerful foundation: a robust network of 185+ organizations, a trusted voice in the field, and a clear set of values. That foundation gives us the flexibility to take creative risks. This year, we’ve experimented with a new convening format, hosted our first executive symposium, forged new partnerships, and asked hard questions about what this work needs next. We don’t have all the answers, but we’re not afraid to test bold ideas.
4. We’re continuing to learn from one another.
   One of the greatest joys of this year has been witnessing the moments when Jewish communal professionals and organizations have been able to turn to and learn from one another: across denominations, roles, beliefs, and identities. At SRE, we continue to ask: How can we create more spaces for honest exchange of ideas and mutual support? Whether through convenings, case studies, or collaborative cohorts, we’re committed to deepening our culture of collective learning.
5. We’re sharpening our direction and embracing uncertainty.
   This year, SRE has also been clarifying our focus on advancing gender equity across the Jewish communal landscape. Gender equity is the lens through which we understand safety, respect, and equity. We also know that as we clarify our focus and our message, this work will continue to evolve. We’re willing to embrace uncertainty as a space of possibility. 

As I look ahead to year two, I’m filled with hope and cautious optimism. The journey toward gender equity is long – and at times, heavy – but it is profoundly worth it. We look forward to continuing to ask big questions, listen deeply, and move forward with humility. 

I’m grateful to be on this path with each of you.

In partnership,

Rachel Gildiner
Executive Director
SRE Network