To contribute towards the Key Biscayne High Holiday Appeal and join the 'Caring Wall', please click here to make a donation of any amount that is right for you.
For the full appeal letter, continue reading below.
High Holiday Appeal
It’s been a hard year. I’m sure you’ve felt it too.
We’ve been shocked, again and again, by the blatant Jew hatred that’s prevalent ... and tolerated ... around the world. And even right here at home.
So many people in our Key Biscayne Jewish community feel lonely. And a sense of despair, a feeling that there’s nothing they can do about it.
That's why I'm writing to you today: You can reach out to Jews in our community. You can help make their year sweeter and more full of light.
In the last 11 months, we’ve witnessed an awakening among Jews from all backgrounds and levels of affiliation, seeking Jewish connection and meaning. I’ve been meeting Jews here on the Key who have not been part of any formal Jewish community for decades, and now their Jewish spark is lit up and they yearn to connect.
But many Jews in our area feel like they don’t have a home.
Some feel like they don't belong. Others are embarrassed by their lack of knowledge.
I know some who don’t feel comfortable or safe talking about their feelings about Israel, wearing a star of David, keeping a mezuzah on their door, or otherwise publicly identifying as Jewish.
It’s up to us to welcome them with open arms and hearts. They need to know they are loved and accepted. They need to know how we can stand strong in the face of hate and confusion!
They, and all of us, need to be able to come together more than ever. Every Jew needs to know they are loved, welcomed and has a place at the Jewish table. This is the fundamental Jewish principle of "All Jews are guarantors for one another", (Talmud Shavuot 39a).
This High Holidays season, the Chabad Key Biscayne Jewish Center is making extra efforts to invite all our local Jewish brothers and sisters, young and old, to connect! Your High Holidays donation this year will help make that possible. Maybe you can give $180. Or perhaps $360 or $540. Or, if you’ve been blessed this year, consider a High Holidays sponsorship of $1800.
Any amount you can give will help spread Jewish connection, Jewish joy, and Jewish community on the Key. You know what a big difference that makes.
Do you remember where you were last October 7 when you heard the news? Many of us were enjoying the joyous holiday of Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah with our families when we were interrupted by a knock at the door. A visitor with the frightening news.
Many were tempted to just shut down and sit in the dark. But that’s not the Jewish way. It was a day of such tragedy, but it was also Simchat Torah.
I thought, as you may have, "They have taken enough from us today. They will not take our Simchat Torah."
So, we circled holding Torahs with tears in our eyes, we sang despite heavy hearts, and we moved our feet even when we were emotionally exhausted. And we prayed, thinking about the murder victims, and the innocent children snatched.
That’s what we Jews do in hard times.
We embrace our traditions, our heritage, and our Jewish identity. We reach out to G‑d, together. We strengthen, comfort, and encourage each other.
That’s what I’m asking you to help make possible.
You can provide a sanctuary for Jewish neighbors, a place where they can gather and celebrate. To find comfort and strength.
Jewish joy. Torah wisdom. Traditions that have sustained us through centuries.
These things tell our community they are not alone, they belong, they are cherished.
This is the Jewish experience that you can help make happen when donating to our 5785 High Holidays Campaign now. It’s your opportunity to keep Jewish tradition alive and strong in our community.
A friend recently told me about a JCC event this summer where journalist Bret Stephens was asked what our Jewish response should be post-October 7. His response: every Jew must seek to be 10% ‘Jewier.’
Jewish continuity throughout these thousands of years is an absolute miracle. And what we have to remember is this: This miracle is accomplished through each of our efforts. Building and supporting Jewish community through your charitable giving is a mitzvah that transforms the entire world!
When people see they are not alone, they are empowered to engage in their Judaism with enthusiasm.
Your High Holidays donation today will help make that possible!
You can give easily and securely online at www.chabadkeyb.com/donate.
Your High Holidays gift will ensure that Chabad continues to be here for our community, providing a special space where journeys unfold ... where hearts are lifted up.
Please, give as you can. As much as you can. No amount is too small or too big.
This is your opportunity to share your blessings. You can help people connect, find inspiration and immerse themselves in the beauty and joy of Judaism. Your gift will provide them with a wonderful space to grow, explore their Jewishness, and embrace a lifelong journey of learning.
May the upcoming High Holidays be a time of delight, spiritual growth, and deep connection for you and your loved ones.
Am Yisrael Chai!
With profound appreciation and warmest wishes,
Rabbi Avremel Caroline
P.S. This year, again, we will be creating a display for the High Holidays called The Caring Wall, where every person who gives will be listed. Our community will see how many wonderful people care about them, their future, and their Jewish life in Key Biscayne. This display will be a wonderful reminder of our unity, care, and love for each other.
