Torah Fund Appeal, 2003

Dear Friends,

We are currently in the third year of our Women's League Educational Pavilion project, which is on the fourth floor of the beautiful Kripke Tower. It is our job to complete the task we, as Sisterhood members, started three years ago. This state-of-the-art facility will provide students and faculty with the latest electronic and technology capabilities. The "wired" lecture hall and the two seminary rooms really make the world a smaller place in which to live and learn. The dedication of this Educational Pavilion is scheduled for October 3, 2004.

It is no secret that, in the face of challenges of attrition and assimilation that confront American Jews, the best response is effective and meaningful Jewish education. We need your help to maintain the Jewish Theological Seminary as the powerhouse of Jewish education it has been for over a century.

During this year 5764, our Torah Fund theme is Limud - Study - "give me understanding that I may learn your commandments." (Psalm 119, verse 73)

Studying and learning has always been one of the tenets of Judaism; we are often called "the people of the Book". This year's beautiful Torah Fund pin depicts the pages of the Bible, a Yad, and the word Limud. The Yad guides us as we read the words of the Torah, but it is the gift of understanding what we read that brings us closer to G-d. As it is customary for our Sisterhood, for benefactors and above, the pins will be given during Selichot services, so that you can proudly wear them during the High Holidays.

Just think, thanks to the Torah Fund campaign, students will be able to receive financial aid if needed. They, and possibly their families, now live in a modern dormitory near the Seminary. They study in a modern library filled with world-renowned manuscripts. In the Educational Pavilion, they use the latest electronic devices and can access information throughout the world. To express their thanks, they pray in the beautiful, uplifting, Women's League Synagogue. In a large way, all this is possible thanks to your generosity and dedication to Torah Fund.

Included in this letter you will find the various levels of tax-deductible donations. (view Torah Fund Donation Form) Please be as generous as I know you can. Whatever you give, your contribution is so very important. It is we, the members of Sisterhood and Women's League, who have the task of preserving Judaism and enhancing Jewish life in the community and in the home. Every one of us benefits from the continued strength of the Jewish Theological Seminary.

I thnak you very much for your generosity, and from my family to yours, I wish you a very happy, healthy, safe, and sweet Shanah Tovah Tikatevu.

Ziza Pallia
Torah Fund Chairman