GIVING TUESDAY STORIES
This year, The Leffell School's Giving Tuesday campaign is dedicated to funding Israel education and advocacy, increased security needs, community support, and meaningful student initiatives, particularly in the wake of the events of October 7. Here are three stories of some of the many meaningful ways ahavat Yisrael has come to life in our kehilah over the last few weeks.
Welcoming Students from Israel
by Dr. Ilanit Hoory
Thinking about the unique and unexpected opportunity we were given to host Israeli students who are temporarily living in Westchester fills me with pride. I always knew we were a kehilah that supports one another, but now we have been given a chance to walk a path that is beyond our own community - one that combines all of The Leffell School’s Core Values. We are living our values of Ahavat Yisrael, Kehilah, Character, Joyous Jewish Learning, and Citizenship while staying true to Academic Excellence.
by Rabbi Harry Pell
As we approach seven weeks since the events of October 7, I am filled with a range of sometimes conflicting emotions. I have not yet let go of the shock and the pain, even as I have experienced increasing feelings of hope. As Thanksgiving approaches, though, I look for reasons to feel gratitude, even during this difficult time.
I am grateful to work at The Leffell School and to be a Leffell parent, ensconced in this incredibly special and supportive kehilah.
Gratitude as We Stand with Israel
Providing For What is Needed
By Dr. Michael Kay
October 7, as we all now know, was Simchat Torah in the Land of Israel. In traditional halakhic communities outside of Israel, however, it was Shemini Atzeret, the holiday that bridges Sukkot to Simchat Torah. On that Shabbat morning, many of us therefore read the Torah reading for Shemini Atzeret, which includes Deuteronomy 15:8: an exhortation that when a member of our community is in need, we must provide די מחסורו/dei machsoro – sufficient for whatever is needed in that moment.