Tishrei is approaching, and with it the days when we stand before G-d in judgment — for ourselves, our families, our community, and the world. The Rosh Hashanah liturgy tells us that three things soften the decree: teshuvah, tefillah, and tzedakah — returning, prayer, and giving. Of the three, only tzedakah reaches beyond ourselves; only tzedakah can also protect another family's year.
Last year, this campaign raised $41,000 and helped 24 families move through Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot with dignity. Groceries. New clothes for children. A Yom Tov meal that felt like a Yom Tov meal. The quiet, essential things that make the difference between celebrating and pretending to.
This year, our community has grown. Families have joined us who are still finding their footing here, and the need has grown with them. We're preparing to help 28 families this Tishrei, and our goal is $50,000.
That's a real number, and we're asking for real generosity to meet it. But no single gift needs to carry the campaign. The math is manageable when the community shows up together. The mitzvah is in the participation.
If you've given to this campaign before, thank you, and we hope you'll consider giving again, at whatever level feels right this year. If you haven't given before, this is a good season to start. Every dollar goes directly to families; the committee absorbs overhead separately.
Ketivah v'chatimah tovah — may you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.
With sincere gratitude,
The Va'ad Tzedakah CommitteeRabbi Ari Sollish, Mrs. Arlene Shapiro, Reb Zalman Bernstein, Rabbi Yonatan Hambourger