RABBI'S MESSAGE (cont'd.)

            All students participated in programs concerning the issues of homelessness, gun control, campaign finance reform, and peace and security for Israel.  Teens then chose to learn about three additional issues from presentations about economic justice, human rights, environmental concerns, and other current issues on the national legislative agenda.  The presentations used a variety of interactive formats.  Each student picked an issue of personal concern to study in greater depth and about which to lobby our elected officials on Monday.  The high point of our seminar was visiting Capital Hill on Monday and presenting our concerns to Senator Schumer (the New York synagogues divided to visit our senators’ offices.) and Congresswoman McCarthy.  Most years we make our case to members of the staff.  This year after  spending  about  45  minutes  discussing  issues  with a member of the staff, Representative McCarthy entered her office (the only space large enough to accommodate our group) and spent another half hour with our teens.  She was warm and personable.  She had just come from some meetings with our NATO counterparts and shared her thoughts about world events.  The meeting ended after staff members reminded her twice that she needed to be elsewhere.  This was an exciting conclusion for our seminar.

            Our students study hard and write speeches about the issues.  This year they chose to address unemployment benefits, immigration, international human rights, and comprehensive sex education.   Our students eloquently represented us and I know that you would have beamed with pride, as I did, if you were there.  You will have an opportunity to hear from them at services on Friday evening, January 13, 2012.  Come and hear their important messages, come and feel proud, come and know hope.

            Participation in the L’Taken Seminar is costly.  Our Brotherhood, the Evelyn Bishop Scholarship Fund, and generous donors to my Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund help reduce costs for our youth who attend this program.  Thank you, to all contributors to the two temple funds and Brotherhood supporters.

            Seeing our youngsters in action helps me to feel optimistic about our Jewish future.  At the same time, I know that Central Synagogue needs to raise funds for our congregation’s fiscal well-being today and for the future.  Contributions to the General Fund and underwriting specific programs or expenses help us meet the needs of the present.  We have an endowment fund which provides for our congregation’s longer term financial vibrancy by annually generating earnings for today’s needs.

            You can be a source of optimism for Central Synagogue by considering a tithe from your estate.  Many religious groups borrow from our Torah the idea of tithes, giving ten percent of earnings to support their congregations.  I understand that many people feel financially uneasy in these difficult times.  I suggest you consider a tithe from funds in your estate at a time when you will no longer rely on their support.  Please consider the variety of ways that you can contribute to our synagogue and endowment fund:  cash, securities, insurance policies, bequests, and trusts.

            Increased earnings from a larger endowment fund will enable Central Synagogue to provide programming and be a communal center for your children and your grandchildren and your great-grandchildren.  We can secure Central Synagogue of Nassau County and all it represents and provide for the generations to come.

            What is the value of money?  The real value?  A man paid a dollar to a miser for a look at his treasure.  He stared at the piles of gold, then said, "Now I am as rich as you.  All the fun you get from your money lies in looking at it.  You do not use it.  Others derive no benefit from it.  Of its real value you are not aware."  The value of money is not the crisp bills or large balances, the value is in its use.

            Please be a source of optimism for our congregation.  Please come and listen to our youngsters, you will be inspired.