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One Place Where You Make the Difference!

Acts of righteousness, or Tzedaka, come in many forms, but they all have one attribute in common : personal acts of caring. Donations can be done in the memory of someone, or in honor of someone. Help us ensure the safekeeping of our community, the education of your children, and our outreach.
Kehilat Gesher depends strictly on your contributions. We receive no public funds. Your gifts are tax deductible under French law of 1905.

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"When I was young, I admired clever people. As I grew old, I came to admire kind people."
     Abraham Joshua Heschel

"The more Tzedaka, the more peace."
     Mishna

Nov 2007 - Kehilat Gesher’s Tikkun Olam Project with Herzog Hospital is described in the Jerusalem Post online

Please read the New Year speech by a member of the Board

Good evening and l’shana tovah to you all, members, prospective members, visitors.

As I sat down to compose these remarks, I was going to immediately begin by imploring you – once again – to be generous with your time and money, so that Kehilat Gesher can continue to serve its growing community.

But as I looked back upon what I had said in prior years, I realize that to some extent I’ve been prophetic. Before talking about the challenges, let’s take a moment to review the progress we have made

• Four years ago, I said we were 75 families and needed to grow to 125 to become a stable community. We’re there.
• Three years ago I said we needed a torah of our own. We have it.
• Last year, I spoke of the urgent need (as have others) for a place of our own in Paris. It exists.

So let’s take a moment for self-congratulation. Okay. Time’s up, especially since so much has been done by so few. We need to broaden the base of shoulders that are bearing the burden of this congregation.

Thus my message to you this year is very “terre-a-terre” , or down to earth.

You have all heard about our new Paris center on rue Leon Cogniet in the 17th. What I need to tell you most of all (this year-effacer) is that the board of directors of Kehilat Gesher, after very careful consideration, took a big gamble. Specifically, we are paying for our Paris locale out of reserves, and not of our operating budget. Without increased revenues – membership dues and donations – we will not be able to financially maintain this facility beyond about a year or year and a half.

At the same time, we have outgrown our facility in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, and new facilities there will further strain us financially.

I just referred to this decision as a big gamble, but I should also describe it as a big vote of confidence in you, our members. We on the board are convinced that you will attract your friends and business acquaintances and family members to join one of the most dynamic Jewish congregations in Paris. We on the board are convinced that you will answer the call to service, by providing the financial support and volunteer efforts that we need.

To be very specific and concrete, we need net growth of at least several dozen new families to join Kehilat Gesher during 5764, and in turn we must rely on you, our members, to be our spokespersons and ambassadors to the Jewish community in Paris, particularly in and around the 17th arrondissement where there is no liberal synagogue. Because of families who leave us as move out of France, we probably need close to 50 new families.

It’s not as hard as it sounds. If each current member can attract one more, we will double our size! There are several hundred thousand Jews in Paris, and many are seeking an alternative to the rigidity and orthodoxy that reigns in many consistorial congregations.

But growing our membership is just the first step in a virtuous, not a vicious, cycle. We need to reconstitute our reserves and start preparing for construction or purchase of our own synagogue building, which is our ultimate goal.

As the congregation Kehilat Gesher grows bigger, so do its needs and challenges.

Finally, what we are building here will resonate beyond our real and virtual walls, because we stand for tolerance and respect, and because we are a new and exciting chapter in the history of French Jewry that dates back to the first century of the common era. David Harris, the executive director of the American Jewish Committee, issued a public letter earlier this year entitled “letter from France” (effacer:it’s quite a long letter. But) Among other things, Harris criticizes American Jews who have suggested a boycott of France. He writes, “rather than avoid France… visit and spend time with the Jewish Community… Witness the vibrancy of organizations, schools and synagogues… Above all, let’s affirm the bonds that unite us.” Kehilat Gesher – a community of bridge, and bonds that unite us. Do what you can this year to strengthen the bonds of community and faith that brought each of us here this evening.

On behalf of Rabbi Tom Cohen and the entire board, I respectfully ask for your support so that we will be here for you, your children and the generations to follow. I wish you all a good and peaceful 5764.