Eye on the Future?

Dear Friend,

Four days - that is how much time is left in 2012. It may not seem like much, but it’s enough time to make a difference. While your inbox may be inundated with requests at the moment, please, take a minute and see how you can make a REAL difference:

Chabad of Hawaii - for 26 years now! - provides a wide array of educational programs and activities for the local and visitor Jewish community. We believe in the importance of every single Jew and the significance of every single Mitzvah. Thanks to the generosity of kind people like you, our outreach programs have helped bring Judaism to life for hundreds of people, regardless of background or affiliation.

Let the stories speak for themselves:

- A frantic call in the middle of the night: "Rabbi, Pearl, my mother is dying, I'm all alone in the hospital. I have no one to turn to". Regular hospital visits ensue and emotional and spiritual support is there through the funeral and beyond.

- Lost and lonely, a young Israeli girl wanders into Chabad House one Sunday afternoon: no job, no money, nowhere to stay. She's immediately given a place to stay and looked after until she is finally able to stand on her own two feet. (This scenario has repeated itself countless times over the years.)

- Homeless and on the streets, "David" has been dependent on Chabad's generosity for over 20 years. His medical condition worsening, "David" turns to Chabad for all his needs. There are more Davids in our community.

- Over 7,000 meals served at Chabad House this past year alone - every Shabbat dinner and lunch, every holiday - CEOs to indigents; kama'aina and visitors; transient Israelis and local community members - people of all shade and stripe of observance come to bask in the beauty and warmth of Shabbat and holiday meals, and are welcomed regardless of affiliation or ability to pay. 70% of these meals are not paid for!

These are just some of the many things we encounter daily, with many more stories waiting to be told. The destitute need care and attention, the young transient Israelis need a place to call home, the children need Jewish education, and so very many individuals we encounter yearn for more knowledge and pride in their rich heritage. Clearly, much still needs to be done. Together we can make it happen!

At this time of year, you may be considering end-of-year donations. By donating a generous year-end gift to Chabad of Hawaii, you become a partner in our wide array of educational services, social programs and outreach activiites.

Everyone knows we are living in difficult economic times. Many of us are earning less, while everything seems to cost more. However, dear friend, that is exactly why Chabad of Hawaii needs your help now more than ever! We depend entirely on charitable contributions from individuals like you to cover our budget!

While worldwide Chabad is globally bound in its beliefs and aspirations, each Chabad center is an independent entity and financially self-supporting. Every penny we receive comes from people like you and remains in this communiity.

Please consider a year-end gift of any amount to help offset our deficit. It is you, and dedicated people like you, that enable us to move forward and continue to touch the lives of hundreds of people, every single day of the year.

We have now made it easier than ever to make your donation - text chabadofhawaii to 71441 now from your mobile phone to make a quick and easy donation, or click here to visit our online donation page.

As we recently completed the holiday of Chanukah, we think of its eternal message, applicable in all times and in all places. The sparkling lights of the Menorah convey to us that light overcomes darkness and the few can overcome the many. Here at Chabad of Hawaii, Chanukah provided us a wonderful opportunity to spread joy and inspiration throughout our beautiful island, with a Chanukah event every single day / night of the holiday!

Please G‑d, together we will get through these challenging times and once again enjoy prosperity and success. May you and your loved ones be blessed with Hashem's blessings for all that is good and joyous.

Thank you for your friendship and support.

Shabbat Shalom and with much Aloha!

Rabbi Itchel & Pearl Krasnjansky

P.S. Please consider becoming a "Chai Partner" in our work by signing up for a monthly contribution of any amount. As a Chai Partner you will be making a statement that you are ready to take on the responsibility to sustain dynamic Jewish life here in our community!

Please note: All contributions are tax-deductible, and if received before December 31 can be deducted from your taxes for this calendar year. Chabad of Hawaii accepts cash, credit card, check, as well as donations of automobiles or real estate. Chabad of Hawaii is a 501(C)3 charity and all contributions to it are tax deductible.