Support Mercaz in 2009-2010

Our Jewish Connections giving campaign

November 10, 2009
23 Chesvan 5770

Dear Mercaz Friends and Supporters,

It is with great enthusiasm that we announce the start of this year’s giving campaign: “Our Jewish Connections”.  Mercaz was founded in 1992 to fulfill the important need of providing quality continuing Jewish education for the youth of Cincinnati following their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Through attending Mercaz, we assist our teens in connecting with their Jewish heritage and the Jewish aspects of their lives. We also strive to help them make connections with the Israel. And, we provide an atmosphere for students to build connections with other Jewish teens.

Thank you to everyone who helped make last year’s campaign a success. We were able to raise over $5,500 for our program.  Our Mercaz board works hard to keep tuition affordable; however, it is a reality that tuition barely covers the basics.  We depend on this annual giving campaign to provide the additional funds needed to improve and  enrich our program and provide the most meaningful experience for our students.

Here are just a few examples of what we were able to provide from last year’s campaign:

• Provided additional class materials for interactive hands on courses
• Retain experienced faculty and recruit new teachers
• Have funds available to purchase innovative curriculum

Mercaz has made a huge impact on the teens we have served.  Read what two of our graduates wrote about their experience at Mercaz…

“Mercaz has built a solid foundation for us, the youth. But, this is only a foundation. Everyday we are faced with a new set of challenges. It is up to no one but ourselves to be ready to take them head on. Mercaz has armed us with the Jewish knowledge to tackle these issues, for which I can only say, THANK YOU.”  Jon Robinson

“For some, Mercaz has been a purely intellectual exercise, for others, a more spiritual experience.  But we’ve all come out different people than when we entered.  Mercaz has taught me more than the need to remain Jewish or care for Israel.  Mercaz has taught me how to interact with other Jews. We should remember that above all else, we are Jews, bound by covenant and community, and act as such: with maturity, respect for tradition, and joy in life.  That’s what I learned from Mercaz.”   Ben Serber

Through our giving campaign, you have an opportunity to show your commitment to our school and to continuing Jewish education. In order to sustain ourselves and improve our programming, we must depend on your generosity. Please give what you can to this worthy cause – the perpetuation of our vibrant heritage for generations to come. As we teach our children…            

“It is not your duty to complete the work of perfecting the world…
Neither are you free to refrain from it…”
Rabbi Tarfon, Pirkei Avot 2:16

L’Shalom,

David Backman                                                          Dara Wood
Mercaz Board Chair                                                    Director