Winter conditions can’t stop the Rhode Island Jewish community

Cara Mitnick makes some phone calls. /Fran OstendorfWith winter seeming to begin later than ever, the Jewish community in Rhode Island “bundled” together to help those in need on Super Sunday, Jan. 11.

Rhode Islanders answered the call to help ensure a strong Jewish future. More than 60 volunteers gathered to raise $97,108, propelling the 2015 Annual Campaign past the $2.5 million mark. The volunteers thanked donors for their past support and were able to reach out, engage and bring many more people into the giving community. In the spirit of a new year, the community was reminded to give back, thus creating a communal atmosphere.

The day began with a busy morning. Many of the volunteers represented many of the agencies and synagogues in the community. Babysitting was available all day and children’s activities kept families busy. Continuing an annual tradition, religious school and Jewish day school students brought in decorated tzedakah boxes filled with coins.  The Cohen School from Torat Yisrael in East Greenwich won the contest with a beautiful box and a total of $72. The Jewish Alliance agencies were encouraged to participate in an agency-wide contest designed to increase volunteer participation.  The University of Rhode Island Hillel won, bringing a total of nine volunteers during the day. 

Sunday also offered the opportunity to hear the Israeli Consul General to New England, Yehuda Yaakov, speak about Israel and the Middle East, from Iran to the current situation in Israel. The Social Hall was filled with more than 200 people, and he was received with heartwarming applause.

Elissa Felder enjoyed making her phone calls. “In the Jewish tradition, it is important to be grateful and to recognize the good that others do for us. In this spirit, the 10 women that were fortunate enough to participate in an Israel trip with the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project want to express their thanks to the Alliance for their financial assistance. We are here today giving back and showing our gratitude,” she said.

Super Sunday was chaired this year by Camp JORI President, Deb Salinger, and Jewish Community Day School President, Laurence Kotler-Berkowitz. The two agency heads came together to create a cohesive bond among the different agencies and synagogues, leading the day to a great success. Kotler-Berkowitz noted, “Today was a great day for the Rhode Island Jewish community. Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of donors, the Alliance raised critical funds to support Jews here in Rhode Island and in overseas communities. We are grateful to everyone who supports the Alliance Campaign.” Salinger agreed by saying, “I was inspired by the collaboration shown by so many members of our community agencies.”

The 2015 Annual Campaign Chair, Mitzi Berkelhammer, echoed the chairs’ sentiments. “The Campaign got off to a fabulous start, and we continue to grow,” she said. “It’s wonderful to see all the volunteers and even more wonderful to see the total number of dollars raised.” Overall Super Sunday was a great success, demonstrating the strength of a community, unifying agencies, synagogues and families alike, and making a difference in our community and abroad, one phone call at a time.

For more information about the 2015 Annual Campaign, the Jewish Alliance or to make your gift by phone, contact Michele Gallagher at mgallagher@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 165. You can also make your gift to the 2015 Annual Campaign by texting SuperSundayRI to 51818, or online at jewishallianceri.org.

HILLARY SCHULMAN is the development associate in philanthropy for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.