Congregation
Emunath Israel took the occasion of the recent High
Holiday season to initiate a pledge drive in honor of the late Michael
Litwin.
Michael served our congregation in many capacities -- as First Vice
President, as Trustee, and as Gabbai. And as Kohen, Michael sanctified
the congregants by reciting the priestly
blessing (ברכת כהנים), popularly refered to by the Yiddish word "Duchenen,"
on every
Jewish Holyday. In short, Michael was a genuine Tzaddik.
In attempting to describe Michael, the overused expression "no words
can describe" in this rare instance describes the unusual, compact man
of few words and many deeds -- who for so many decades gave us, the
congregants, the gift of his presence. Michael would want no
recognition, but we must remember him just the same. His name and the
spirit of his fathomless humanity deserve to live on as a continuing
gift to all who cross the threshold of Cong. Emunath Israel.
We are a poor shul, with rapidly dwindling resources.
Please join us by making a contribution in Michael Litwin's honor to
sustain his memory, and at the same time support the synagogue's
operations. Michael worried about Emunath Israel's long-term prospects
and its financial viability. A portion of the funds raised will
go towards the installation of a plaque in his honor -- to be located
at the entrance to the main sanctuary (upstairs). The remainder of the
proceeds will go towards the physical maintenance of the shul.
Our building will be 150 years old next year, and projects such as
repair of our stained glass windows, alone, run into the tens of
thousands of dollars. Untold thousands more will be needed for roof
repairs and other necessary projects.
I can attest, from conversations with Michael over the years, that the
steady decline in synagogue membership and the erosion in attendance at
services saddened him. He could not accept our inability to
successfully reach out to the Jewish population in the Chelsea
community. For a man who did so much for us -- his sponsorship of
the annual Shabbat-Bereshith Kiddush, Chanukah Kiddush, High Holiday
floral arrangements; and his innumerable financial contributions and
unflagging devotion and interest in you and me -- for all this we owe
him this much.
Michael came to this country in 1948 alone -- a holocaust survivor, who
had lost nearly his entire family. He was a victim and witness to
unspeakable atrocities. He made a good life for himself in our
community, but he never forgot the life that came before.
Similarly, we cannot forget him.
On behalf of the fellow members of the Committee to Remember
Michael
Litwin, Sabina Anstendig, Jerrilyn Fanelli, and Paul Shimshi, we
ask
that you pledge your support for him.