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MESSAGE FROM RABBI MARC D. ANGEL
What an incredible privilege it is for us to be able to commemorate the 350th anniversary of Congregation Shearith Israel, The Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue in the City of New York! Since our beginnings in 1654, each generation of our congregation has played a vital role in the unfolding of our history. Our congregants laid the foundations for American-Jewish life, and many such as the poet Emma Lazarus and Supreme Court Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo contributed creatively and courageously to all aspects of the development of our city and country. Very few congregations in the world can point to such a long and distinguished historical record of faith, dedication and perseverance. Our generation continues in the traditions of our forebears. We have recently restored our magnificent landmark synagogue building. It is a source of tremendous pride and satisfaction to us, and will serve the needs of our congregation for generations. But Shearith Israel is far more than a synagogue building. It is a living and vibrant community. It is a place of prayer; a place of study; a place of communal activity. Shearith Israel is a bastion of idealism and inspiration. The new 350th Anniversary Campaign is focused on the spiritual, educational and cultural life of our community – the very soul of Shearith Israel. Our historic mission is not only to maintain our high standards of communal worship and our unique heritage, but also expand services to our congregants, young and old. We thank the Almighty for having sustained our congregation for these 350 years and granted us the special privilege of reaching this historic milestone. May the Almighty inspire each of us to play a significant role in ensuring the vitality of Shearith Israel for our generation and generations to come. In May 1999 we launched our first campaign. We all participated in this first effort of our community to invest in our historic Sanctuary. Donations came from congregants and friends alike. The campaign was successful and the funds were put to excellent use as we all witnessed with pride at the rededication of our Synagogue. As we went through the process of restoration, and in some cases salvation of essential elements of our building, we found that essentially all the funds raised were needed for that purpose. The 350th Anniversary Campaign, with a $10 million target, is devoted to maintaining and expanding the spiritual and communal work of Shearith Israel. For the Congregation to thrive in the coming years, we must have a strong endowment fund that will support our religious services, educational and cultural programs, youth work, outreach, synagogue archives, historic cemeteries and other services to our congregation and community. As for most religious institutions, the cost of our ongoing services and our expanding programs exceeds the funds generated by our regular income. It is therefore essential that our endowment fund be substantial enough to assure the ongoing vitality of Shearith Israel. As you will see from the Dedication and Recognition page, we have established a program acknowledging and recognizing each contribution. Dedicating a Sefer Torah is a wonderful recognition of a loved one while participation as an Archives Founder is a great tribute to our history. Please consider this entire program as you decide on the level of your commitment and its purpose. For those of you who have already made a pledge, our sincere thanks. From all others we ask and hope that each one will respond with a generous investment in our future. The 350th Anniversary Campaign provides us the opportunity to celebrate the history and traditions of Shearith Israel, and to contribute towards the future growth of this historic congregation established by our forefathers in 1654. All donors will be listed in a souvenir journal, in the appropriate category, at the conclusion of the Campaign. Contributions are being solicited in the following categories: $350,350 and above: Champion Sponsors. Will be listed on a dedication page of our forthcoming pictorial history of Shearith Israel; will receive a leather-bound, autographed copy of the book; and will be listed on a special 350th anniversary plaque. They will also be entitled to a name dedication of a Torah scroll. $250,350- 350,349: Dedication Sponsors. Will receive a leather-bound, autographed copy of our forthcoming pictorial history of Shearith Israel; will be listed on a special 350th anniversary plaque; and will be entitled to a name dedication of a Torah scroll. $150,350-250,349: Underwriters. Will receive a leather-bound copy of our forthcoming pictorial history of Shearith Israel, with an autographed appreciation on parchment; and will be listed on a special 350th anniversary plaque. $100,350-150,349: Archives Patrons. Will receive a leather-bound copy of our forthcoming pictorial history of Shearith Israel, with an autographed appreciation on parchment; and will be listed on a plaque of Archives Patrons in our future Archives Room. $50,350-100,349: Leadership Benefactors. Will receive a leather-bound copy of our forthcoming pictorial history of Shearith Israel, with an autographed appreciation on parchment; and will be listed in a Scroll of Benefactors. $25,350-50,349: Benefactors. Will receive a leather-bound copy of our forthcoming pictorial history of Shearith Israel, with an autographed appreciation on parchment; and will be listed in a Scroll of Benefactors. $18,350-25,349: Sponsors. Will receive a leather-bound copy of our forthcoming pictorial history of Shearith Israel, with an autographed appreciation on parchment. $10,350-18,349: Supporters. Will receive an autographed leather-bound copy of our forthcoming pictorial history of Shearith Israel. $5,350-10,349: Contributors. Will receive an autographed copy of our forthcoming pictorial history of Shearith Israel. Up to $5,349: Donors. Will be listed in the Souvenir Journal. For pledges, contributions or further information, please contact: Honorary Committee Members Campaign Cabinet: Cabinet |
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