Rabbi’s Israel Appeal to Congregants

Dear Members,

As I have done for the past 13 years, I'll be leaving on June 27 to 
study at
the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. This summer's topic explores 
a
concept very close to us, that of Tikkun Olam, the repair of the world.
Tikkun Olam originates as a Talmudic concept with a very specific
objection-- fixing things after the Roman destruction of Jewish 
autonomy. In
Kabbalistic terms, it refers to the repair of the shattered "vessels" 
of
divine energy and holiness. And through Liberal Jewish thinking, it 
adds the
dimension of social justice. I look forward to sharing new insights 
which I
might gain during my weeks of study.

And, as I tell you every year, you can't visit your "family" empty 
handed.
Each summer my appeal for extra funds in addition to your Federation 
pledges
and other tzedaka has produced over $2000 in just a few weeks. I hope 
to
equal or exceed that goal this year.

Last year I was able to present a check for $1200 to Bikur Cholim 
Hospital
in Jerusalem and produce a short video for our web site about their new
delivery unit. Other smaller distributions went to groups working on 
behalf
of citizens with disabilities (and this includes Jews, Christians, 
Muslims
and Druze).

So, I'm asking again for checks, cash, appreciated stock-- anything 
which
will allow me to be your "tzedaka emissary". Please make checks payable 
to
CBS Rabbi's Discretionary Fund and make certain that I have these 
before
June 25.

L'shalom

Rabbi Ned Soltz