A Special Message from Rabbi Hirsch
January 2, 2019
Dear Friends,
On Sunday evening, January 27, our shul will celebrate its 10th Anniversary at our Annual Gala. When Mekor was founded a decade ago, we had very few resources, but our small group of supporters remained steadfast and generous, and as the word spread, many more joined in to build Mekor into the remarkable shul that it is today.
Every year, Miriam and I hear from people across our city, our country, and the world, expressing gratitude for their unique “Mekor experience”. Someone new to Center City who entered our shul one Shabbat as a stranger but left with a sense of warmth and belonging; a congregant who needed counseling about a sensitive family dilemma; a visitor from afar who found a home away from home to worship and say kaddish; a Mekor family who received support from our meal train during a difficult time; parents who were thrilled to see our wonderful kiddush where so many young adults can meet and mingle with their Jewish peers; someone seeking guidance about a stressful halachic issue; newcomers who are delighted to learn about our successful efforts to increase the number of kosher restaurants … the list goes on. Our Mekor community is dedicated to these goals – to be there for each other at times of sorrow, to celebrate the joyful events, and to help one another receive guidance and inspiration for a richer, more fulfilling Jewish life.
But our accomplishments do come at a price. In order to meet the needs of our flourishing community, we moved this year to a lovely new home that is larger and handicapped accessible. Our expenses continue to increase, and we cannot rely on membership dues to remain financially secure, particularly because we have made a commitment that we will never turn anyone away for lack of ability to pay.
Please show your support for Mekor by joining our festivities on Sunday evening, January 27, at the National Liberty Museum. Whether or not you are able to attend, I ask that you take a moment and reflect on what Mekor has meant to you, and express that by sponsoring a message in our Gala Tribute Book. With your help, be’ezrat Hashem, our shul will continue to thrive and hold its unique place in the hearts and minds of the Jewish community.
Thank you for your continued support,
Rabbi Eliezer Hirsch
Dear Friends,
On Sunday evening, January 27, our shul will celebrate its 10th Anniversary at our Annual Gala. When Mekor was founded a decade ago, we had very few resources, but our small group of supporters remained steadfast and generous, and as the word spread, many more joined in to build Mekor into the remarkable shul that it is today.
Every year, Miriam and I hear from people across our city, our country, and the world, expressing gratitude for their unique “Mekor experience”. Someone new to Center City who entered our shul one Shabbat as a stranger but left with a sense of warmth and belonging; a congregant who needed counseling about a sensitive family dilemma; a visitor from afar who found a home away from home to worship and say kaddish; a Mekor family who received support from our meal train during a difficult time; parents who were thrilled to see our wonderful kiddush where so many young adults can meet and mingle with their Jewish peers; someone seeking guidance about a stressful halachic issue; newcomers who are delighted to learn about our successful efforts to increase the number of kosher restaurants … the list goes on. Our Mekor community is dedicated to these goals – to be there for each other at times of sorrow, to celebrate the joyful events, and to help one another receive guidance and inspiration for a richer, more fulfilling Jewish life.
But our accomplishments do come at a price. In order to meet the needs of our flourishing community, we moved this year to a lovely new home that is larger and handicapped accessible. Our expenses continue to increase, and we cannot rely on membership dues to remain financially secure, particularly because we have made a commitment that we will never turn anyone away for lack of ability to pay.
Please show your support for Mekor by joining our festivities on Sunday evening, January 27, at the National Liberty Museum. Whether or not you are able to attend, I ask that you take a moment and reflect on what Mekor has meant to you, and express that by sponsoring a message in our Gala Tribute Book. With your help, be’ezrat Hashem, our shul will continue to thrive and hold its unique place in the hearts and minds of the Jewish community.
Thank you for your continued support,
Rabbi Eliezer Hirsch