Dear Friends,
Please give me a moment of your time to read these words - I write them with an open heart...
The Opportunity;
"This is a week of unprecedented opportunity with guaranteed returns for those who will invest"
No, that's not a quote from Warren Buffet on the opportunities (for those with liquid resources) in the astonishing trends of the last few weeks.
It's a quote from Maimonides describing this week - between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur - as the opportune time to invest with the resources of our soul and spirit.
But we have to invest.
The Resources;
The High Holiday liturgy teaches us of - and Maimonides expounds on - the three channels we can use to ensure a good New Year; 1. Prayer 2. Repentance and 3. Charity.
While I am sure that we have all spent much time in Prayer, we have reflected on the year past and resolved that this year we will live closer to our expectations and we have all given charity - today I write to you with a heartfelt request to increase in these.
In Prayer - have us all in mind, in your Prayers from now through the duration of the solemn day of Yom Kippur for a Sweet Year.
In Repentance/Return - spend a moment to think of one extra concrete resolution you can undertake toward bringing yourself close to G-d, in the hope that we merit of a better year for the entire world.
And in Charity - please consider contributing to the progression of Jewish life here in the Galleria, River Oaks & Memorial areas through Chabad of Uptown.
The Need;
While Chabad of Uptown is not listed on the NY exchange and the JLI classes were not exposed to the sub prime crisis, these are very trying times for us as well.
We have always made it a number one priority that any one and every one feels welcome regardless of their ability to pay or contribute.
In challenging times like these when our needs only increase and many of our donors are not in a position to continue their normal contributions, we turn to you to consider becoming a "Shareholder" in the stimulation of Jewish Life in the urban pride of Houston.
While much of the world is consolidating and scaling back on their activities - we are not given the luxury to do that;
The young children, the elderly grandparents, the middle aged families, from every age and background who come to learn, celebrate, pray, engage, socialize, explore, absorb and experience their Jewish heritage - are still very much a part of this wonderful community.
So please consider taking some segment of our share. Our fund raising need this year exceeds $180,000 and we have divided that into 100 shares of $1,800. Whether you can take a few full shares, or a 1/100th of a share at $18 - please consider a contribution before this Yom Kippur.
If you would like to make a contribution please click here.
Double Dividends;
For every dollar contributed - Hashem has promised to repay you twofold, "Aser bishvil Shtitasher", give charity to acquire wealth.
Double Dividends;
For every dollar contributed - Hashem has promised to repay you twofold, "Aser bishvil Shtitasher", give charity to acquire wealth.
The Return on the Investment;
In addition to the Nachas you will reap from the hundreds of Jewish souls who will have an opportunity to celebrate their heritage thanks to you, please G-d we will have you in our prayers for health, success, Nachas from those close to you and the best of Hashem's blessings for everything your heart desires.
And please G-d this year will see the fulfillment of the words of the Talmud [Rosh Hashana 16B] in the name of Rav Yitzchak: "Every year that is poor at its beginning becomes wealthy in the end" a wealth of happiness, and fulfillment in every possible way.
With our best wishes for a Gmar Chasima Tova and well over the fast,
Gmar chasima Tova,
May you be you inscribed and sealed for a happy, sweet new year,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie