I have made a gift to the Vital Today Vital Tomorrow Matching Gift Campaign. Have you?
My name is Shira Gellman and I have been a Darchei Noam member since I was a kid. The childhood experiences I had at Darchei Noam are still with me today. I developed friendships with other families while being surrounded by music during Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah gatherings. Becoming bat mitzvah and learning about leadership through the DN Teens programming taught me lifelong skills. After my parents moved to BC in my twenties, the shul took on a new meaning for me, a place to feel closer to them, remembering all the times we sat together in prayer. This community embraced me as an adopted daughter in their absence.
Today I contribute to Darchei Noam by helping to lead services, playing my guitar and singing with Rabbi Ryan. I also volunteer as Co-Chair of the Fundraising committee.
One thing I know: Being part of a caring and thoughtful community NOW is more important than at any other time in my lifetime. I want Darchei Noam to be home for me and others for generations to come.
I want to share something else with you.
I, like others, pay a reduced membership fee.
In mid-career and with a young family at home, it’s not easy to find the time or the funds to give all that I want to offer to Darchei Noam, my spiritual home, for all that it has given me. Generous donations from you and others enable Darchei Noam to sustain Shabbat and holiday services, invite guest speakers to educate and enrich us and ensure that when you need pastoral love and care, our Rabbis can be here for you.
As I get older and more established professionally, I will give back to Darchei Noam in even more significant ways. I hope that I’ll be able to pay forward your generosity by expanding my annual membership contribution and increasing my donations.
Your generosity will help people like me and the younger ones coming after me, to grow up in this abundant congregation.
Please consider making a gift today, at whatever amount you are able.
Can a $36 gift make a difference? YES. Not only does every gift given before December 31 count towards our matching campaign but every member who participates reinforces the values of Darchei Noam. We have ALWAYS been a community that rolls up our sleeves, gets involved, and is led by democratic decision-making. Every donation is celebrated and every donation counts towards our goal of 100% participation.
Modest gifts add up.
Thank you for your continued support and generosity.
Shira Gellman
Co-Chair, Fundraising
