Giving Thanks"Modim anachnu lach..."
"We are thankful to you..."
Thanksgiving is an interesting holiday for me, full of many opposing forces. Its historical basis troubles me, given the history we have with the native people of this land, yet the idea that most people around the country today are gathering with friends and family is genuinely beautiful. That we give thanks by over-indulging is somewhat problematic, but we are joining together to give thanks nonetheless. Furthermore, the holiday encourages us to reflect on how blessed we are, and so many people to reach out to those less fortunate than themselves.
This year, Thanksgiving coincides with Teva-Thon 2004-our annual fund raising campaign. Many of you have been receiving and enjoying Tikkun Tips for a while, but may not know too much about the other programs and projects Teva runs. So I wanted to spend a little time explaining what it is that we do, why we need your help, and how you can assist us.
Every year Teva touches the lives of over 2,000 people, young and old. If you, or someone you know has participated in a Teva program, then you probably understand what makes it so magical. The 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders who attend our residential and camping programs during the school year return home transformed-perhaps inspired to help save the planet, maybe feeling a little more comfortable with their classmates, or possibly feeling more closely connected to God and God’s creation.
The teachers who chaperone their students often leave the experience rejuvenated, amazed that a small group of young and enthusiastic educators can have such an impact on their students. I cannot begin to describe the joy in listening to a student at the end of the week explain how they had overcome their fear of the dark, or had seen God in the forest.
Teva also runs numerous other programs. Teacher and educator seminars, wilderness travel and backpacking trips, school gardens, Shabbatonim, holiday programs, and environmental community service projects. Teva staff work extremely long days, putting their hearts and souls into every aspect of the work. Immense feelings of satisfaction supplement the modest pay. In fact, the group of people who may be most transformed by the Teva experience could very well be the educators. Teva provides people with a place and a community in which to learn, grow, heal and give to others.
But we need your help. See, not all of the programs we run pay for themselves. If you read this Tikkun Tip, you benefit from one such program. We believe it is most important to spread our message and do so in a wide range of ways so that we can reach the broadest base. But this can be financially challenging at times, which is why we are reaching out to you.
We rely heavily on the donations of individuals in order to continue our important work. Please do your part this year and help Teva keep on going well into the future.
Donating to Teva is easy and all donations are tax deductible. Just click here to head over to the website and you can donate with your credit card. Because we value those who support us, we are also offering many wonderful and meaningful gifts, giving you one more reason to support Teva.
I personally would like to thank all of you who regularly read and respond to these Tikkun Tips. I enjoy writing them immensely and I am thankful for having been given the opportunity to do so. Please consider donating to Teva and ensure that this and many other programs will continue. Thank you.
Signing off...Nati Passow
Teva Learning Center
307 7th Ave Suite #900
New York, NY 10001
teva@tevacenter.org
www.tevacenter.org
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Like what you see here? Tikkun Tips is a project of the Teva Learning Center which relies on the support of individuals to bring our message to people throughout the country. Your help allows us to expand the scope of our programs and the numbers of people we reach. Please consider making a contribution to support our work. Support Teva
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