Shanah tovah, gut yuntif. My name is Elizabeth Appel and I’ve been connected to the WJC for 38 years. When I was around 6 years old I decided I didn’t want to be Jewish, I wanted a Christmas tree, and I dropped out of Hebrew school. I took less than a year off before realizing that Judaism was a part of who I am, rooted deep within me, and I re-enrolled in Hebrew school.
The WJC has been here for me throughout my entire life, for all of the big events – Hebrew school, my bat mitzvah and my brother’s bar mitzvah, all four of my grandparents funerals, my own wedding and those of friends, and most recently, baby namings.
While in college, there were a few times I couldn’t make the trek home from Buffalo for the holidays. Services away seemed flat, never engaging me and bringing me peace the way this community always has, the way this tent always prompts a reset for me. This tent, these TEN holy days, cost our community $50,000. The last three years have been an incredible challenge for so many communities, including ours, so let’s all come together and make it possible for the wjc to keep delivering for us.
Just a few short weeks ago there was a different plan for the holidays. We all voiced our opinions and the Board delivered for US.
That’s what this community does. But in order for the wjc to continue to deliver we MUST HOLD IT UP, figuratively, spiritually, and financially. If you can give 50 cents, we appreciate it, if you can give $50,000 even better. Any contributions are appreciated and spent wisely. If you have a preference on how your donation be spent, please let us know.
Donate today, tomorrow, or next month. But please donate. Donate so that my daughters, your kids and grandkids, and you yourself have a spectacular Jewish community to grow and learn from just like I did. Donate so that you continue to have a place to come to when you need, a place where you can reset your year, fill your cup, and sing your “lai-lais”
Shanah tova, yasher koach.