Why We Give: Reflections on the High Holiday Appeal

At Rosh Hashanah and Kol Nidre this year, IJC member David S. gave us his reasons for giving. His words stayed with many of us, so we want to share them with the whole community:

Giving one’s time as a volunteer is the heart of IJC, but time doesn't pay the rent. Our volunteers lead, lein, teach, organize food and events, and welcome. But volunteer hours don't cover the rent or the salaries that keep the IJC going. We need money too.

You don't know what you've got till it's gone. David knows as former IJC treasurer that the need for funds never goes away. He has lived in several places over the years, and he also knows what it means to lose a community. He once belonged to one that went broke, and he reminded us that IJC is unique, a place worth cherishing and preserving. It's where people stay connected, across town and across oceans.

“Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind.” David borrowed a line from Mary Schmich's famous "Wear Sunscreen" speech: “The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.” When deciding what to give, he suggested asking where you are right now:

• If you're ahead, please give generously. It will put you further ahead, and you never know when you'll be behind.

• If you're behind… well, remember IJC when you get ahead.

  
  

Why ask now? Because you are here. David told the story of a man searching for his keys under a lamppost. A passerby asks if he lost them there. "No," he says, "I lost them way over there where it’s dark, but this is where the light is." We ask for support at the High Holidays for the same reason: because you are here, in the light. David added, “Perhaps we really do find something we've lost here, whether connection, meaning or belonging.” As he put it, "hopefully I'm going to find my lost keys here."

Who should carry the load? David also spoke about fairness. When those who can give more do so, those who can't give as much can still be full members of this community. He asked each of us to consider whether we can be a net contributor, or whether we need someone else to help pay our way.

How you can help

• If you pledged on a donation card at the High Holidays and have already paid: thank you. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.

• If you pledged but haven't yet paid: please take a moment to fulfil your pledge: IJC bank account

• If you didn't get a chance to pledge: it isn't too late. Any gift, at any time, makes a difference: Ways to donate 

  
  

The IJC is here for us because we are here for The IJC. Thank you for being part of this community, and shanah tovah!

Gilda N.