The S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation has come up with a slogan for its 2003 annual campaign — “No gift touches more lives.”
Super Sunday volunteers will be emphasizing that message when they call Bay Area Jews on Nov. 24 asking for donations.
The slogan has a ring to it. But it also has a lot of truth as well.
The federation funds agencies and sponsors events that in one way or another truly touch most Jews in our community. Money goes to the Jewish community centers, Jewish day schools, homes for the elderly, synagogues, Jewish social service and vocational agencies, and so much more.
With a federation allocation, some 60 local Jewish agencies can help those who need child care, scholarships for Jewish schools and summer camps, stress or marital counseling, and any number of programs and services local Jews have come to depend on. Plus the federation allocates money to combat anti-Semitism on college campuses.
Federation donations also aid Jews in need in Israel, the former Soviet Union and countries like Argentina, where the economy has driven many Jews into starvation.
In Israel, federation dollars help victims of terrorism return to normal lives through counseling and financial assistance. Money also goes to enhance security at schools, community centers and after-school programs.
In Argentina, federation dollars provide food vouchers, rent subsidies, daily meals for school children and help for those families who want to immigrate to Israel.
But to make all this happen, you need to answer the Super Sunday phone call with a pledge. And if nobody calls you, call (415) 777-0411 after Nov. 24 during business hours.
We Jews are commanded to give tzedakah to help those in need. What better way to do it than on Super Sunday? You can give knowing that when you write a check to federation, “no gift touches more lives.”