How Much Time Do You Need?

How Much Time Do You Need? I noticed that if I only have 45 minutes to write you, it takes me much longer, i.e. it doesn't get done that week. If I have more time, then it only takes me 45 minutes.

 

	Squealer
Lessons from the blue mitzvah van.   My rickety blue van has stopped squealing. I finally took it to the mechanic. Apparently, it just needed to be adjusted. No charge to stop the squealing. I couldn't believe how I have been suffering with this squeal for months, pushing off the mechanic, and all it took was a few turns to make it stop. I wonder if there is a lesson there. Although they didn't charge to make the squeal stop, they did get me for an oil change; brake flush, new tires, and diagnostic fee. There may be a lesson there too!

 

	Taboo Subject
Who contributes to Chabad? As you may know, Chabad is an organization that is dependant on your generosity. We have no funding from "Headquarters" or other places. I haven't really talked about the types of donations we receive in my letters. I am never sure when the donor would mind. Nonetheless, I do want to mention just a very few of them. To respect contributors' privacy, I am not going to mention names. But I do want to point out certain details, so you can appreciate the thoughtfulness. The top 2 donations we have received (so far!) was for $25,000 and for $18,000. Both of these were designated for Chabad in Lancaster. My thanks and  appreciation to both of those families who understand our goals and are able to help. We got $10,000 that was designated for personal expenses for Shira and I and our family. "I want to help make sure things are ok for your family". Your personal concern for my family is very touching! Thank you so much. $3,000 was given on condition that we don't mention the persons name anywhere or even give a tax deductible receipt. This donor wanted the mitzvah to be without other side benefits! A certain family in York lent us over 200,000 to buy the Chabad house. They also contributed $1,800 to start a fund in the York Jewish Community Foundation for the activities and programs in York. Thank you! Anyone can contribute to the fund, it is managed by the UJC/Federation in Harrisburg, it is called "Chabad of York Fund". Feel free to call me for the number, (I simply don't have it with me). There many more that I was going to mention, but simply can't due to the constraints of time and space. (Shabbat is swiftly coming closer!) I do want to say that I  deeply appreciate and am grateful for every single donation, both large and small. Thank you, all!, for your generosity, thoughtfullness and encouragement.

 

	Who contributes to Chabad? #2
"The Young will inspire their elders." There is a whole segment of donors that never fail to inspire. The younger donors. Think about it. We keep Judaism alive with creative programs and welcoming atmosphere. When our future leaders recognize that what we do is valuable and important, that is in it of itself rewarding! We had a young teenager give us $400.00! Another gave us $272.00! A 12 year old, jumped up and down and ran to give me his pushka (charity box) when I visited. A 6 year gave me her pushka smiling from ear to ear.  I will stop here, (for now, maybe more in a future issue!) but I just want to point out again that every donation we receive is appreciated and we are grateful for every penny.