Books — not flowers — adorned the bimah during a Labor Day b’nai mitzvah at Temple Beth Am in Los Altos Hills.
A dozen children’s books, as well as an oversized Haggadah and a Torah text were there as part of a tzedakah project designed to aid one of the three Sacramento area congregation hit with arson June 18.
Twins Rebecca and Matthew Illowsky of Cupertino, who were celebrating their b’nai mitzvah together, organized the project over the summer.
“As part of our tzedakah project we are collecting and purchasing Jewish theme books to donate to Congregation B’nai Israel in Sacramento,” they wrote in a letter sent to friends and relatives in July. “Their entire library was destroyed in June as a result of an arson fire.”
Since then, more than 400 “new or gently used” books in English, Hebrew or Russian have poured in.
“It is traditional to do a tzedakah project. We have here a large temple library, and we often check out books,” said Rebecca, 13. “We really appreciate having that opportunity.”
In addition to sending out the letters, the twins used the temple’s e-mail list and distributed fliers at Friday night services. The Reform synagogue’s newsletter included more details on the project. A box in the temple office served as a collection point.
The twins had no idea how successful their plan would be.
“At first I thought we might get 50 books, possibly well used. You can imagine my surprise at the large number we have collected,” Matthew said.
Synagogue member Florence Sack, widow of Rabbi Eugene Sack, donated more than three cartons of books, including the oversized Haggadah.
“These old books were one of a kind,” said the twins’ mother, Barbara Illowsky.
Another congregant, Steve Lazarus, whose father died in June, had 15 boxes of Jewish books shipped from the family home in Baltimore.
Ken Carr, Beth Am’s assistant rabbi, was touched by the twins’ actions.
“These students show great sensitivity and spirit of trying to help others,” he said. “Their whole family has been involved in many projects.”
The twins’ b’nai mitzvah was unusual for another reason as well. They became the first youths to celebrate a b’nai mitzvah on a Monday at the temple. Because all Saturdays were taken near the twins’ birthday, the family decided to hold the ceremony on Labor Day so family members from far away could attend.
Traditionally in Judaism, Torah is read publicly three days a week — on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. B’nai mitzvah often take place on Mondays or Thursdays in Israel.
Poshi Mikalson, B’nai Israel’s librarian, said the congregation is grateful for efforts like those of Rebecca and Matthew.
“You could see the books on the shelves after the fire. However, if you took them out, they would crumble in your hands from water and smoke damage,” Mikalson said. “The amazing thing is that the people who hated so much, instead of destroying everything, have caused greater growth within the Jewish community. From all over the United States we have received donations with love and blessings.”