If not now, when?
This year’s High Holy Days appeal is somewhat different from usual. Typically, KLS Council selects up to three charities – as well as KLS itself – and asks for donations to these charities as part of our High Holy Days appeal.
In the unprecedented circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic, this year we are doing things slightly differently. Knowing that there will be needs arising over the coming months as result of the pandemic and associated economic impact, we are not specifying charities at this moment. Instead, the KLS Council will select causes to which we will donate, within the next twelve months, 50% of the funds raised. The remainder will go towards KLS itself.
KLS Council member Vince Daly gave a powerful speech at our Yom Kippur morning service, encouraging viewers to donate to our appeal. Opening with a song, containing the famous words of Rabbi Hillel:
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
And If I am only for myself, what am I?
And if not know, when?”
Explaining the relevance of these powerful words he encouraged viewers to consider the living of a Jewish life and reminded us of the Jewish concept of “Tikkun Olam” – repairing the world – or finishing the work of creation. He encouraged viewers to think about spending they are able to give up and donate to those in greater need. He concluded – also with a song – the lyrics of which mean “you don’t have to finish the job by yourself, but you are not free to desist from it”.
Please also donate to help us cover livestreaming costs
In addition to this formal appeal, we are also asking those who have enjoyed our livestreamed services to donate to help us cover the costs involved in providing these. The services have only been possible due to a significant investment in technology, as well as ongoing licensing costs. We have made these services publicly available across our social media channels, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter – and will continue to do so. We have not charged for any of these but we do ask that those who are able make a donation to help us cover these costs.
If you would like to donate please do so here – you can pay via Paypal or bank transfer.
You can watch Vince Daly’s full speech here: