Shalom Magazine

This edition of Shalom Magazine includes coverage of many events in our community.

There are galas, award ceremonies and fundraisers; all gather the Jewish people together for a good cause. However, one thing that I hear a lot from local Jewish people is that they do not feel included if they do not have money to contribute. It’s as if either you are on the donor list or among the people being helped by the organizations. I’m sure there are many who would love to participate in Jewish events, parties, concerts or lectures, but they simply cannot afford the cost of admission.

Therefore, not only do we have a hard time letting people know about what is happening, but we also may need to find out who wants to participate, but needs some assistance. And it’s important to note that we are not talking about poor people. We are talking about people who once perharps were donors or children of donors, but just happen to be in a current situation where they just do not have any extra income. And they won’t ask for assistance. I remember when I had a Jewish radio program in Brazil, I used to receive many invitations for Jewish events.

Whenever I had the opportunity, I would ask the organizers to give me some extra tickets to raffle off during my show. Sometimes I would even donate my own tickets, since I could not attend all the events. It was great to find that people would call the radio show in order to get free tickets for a concert at a synagogue, for example. Those were people that would never ordinarily call the organization, or ask for a discount. There ought to be many different ways to reach out to people without embarrassing them, and make them feel that they are an integral part of the community, even if they do not possess a fortune.

That is why I love to attend the “New England Celebrates Israel” event each year. It is free for all to attend, there are many attractions, and you meet a lot of Jewish friends. The next one will take place at Gann Academy in Waltham on Sunday, June 6. If you have any suggestions, comments or ideas THAT YOU would like to share WITH our readers, please send an email to shalomMa@msn.com. Be well, be happy, have a great summer and see you at Shalom Magazine in September!

Shirley Nigri Farber - Editor