2025 High Holy Day Appeal
It is that time of year when we appeal to the generosity of our members on behalf of those in need. Giving tzedakah (charity) is a core component of these Days of Awe. As ever, the worthy causes listed below have been carefully selected by your Board for our 5786/2025 Appeal. Times are challenging for charitable institutions who are ever reliant on voluntary support.
1. WLS MEMBERSHIP FEES HARDSHIP FUND
As an inclusive community, cost should never be a barrier to joining the synagogue, or to maintaining one’s membership. Some 400 of our circa. 3,000 members receive annual subsidies to assist them with their membership bill. Our Membership Fees Hardship Fund, established as a HHD Appeal cause several years ago, is entirely dependent on voluntary donations. The fund has been depleted and, once again, we need your generous support.
2. WLS SANCTUARY VESTMENTS
The current red velvet set of covers across our Sanctuary have been in use for over 50 years. Likewise, the beautiful white vestments used during the High Holy Days are over 40 years old. Sadly, they all need to be replaced and we have a duty to maintain our beautiful Sanctuary for our current and future congregations. This will cost upwards of £80,000. Sponsorship of individual items is possible- contact max.naar@wls.org.uk for more information.
3. THE DOLEV YEHOUD Z'L MDA PARAMEDICS
Magen David Adom is Israel's national blood and medical emergency service, serving Israel's citizens regardless of religion. We are raising funds in memory of Dolev Yehoud z’l, an MDA paramedic and young father of four, whom WLS initially adopted as one of our four hostages. Tragically, Dolev’s remains were later found amongst those murdered on 7th October. In his memory, via MDA UK, we hope to sponsor the 3-year training programme (at £18,000 per person) for 2 new MDA paramedics who will serve Dolev’s community in the Negev.
4. PAPYRUS
Papyrus provides a helpline 24/7, a support and advice service for children and young people under the age of 35. Suicide is the single biggest killer of young people in the UK. Life is very challenging for some of our younger members. Our funding will enable Papyrus to continue and train advisors to meet the growing demand for crisis support.
5. PAPERWEIGHT
Paperweight is the Jewish Community’s Advice Centre, offering free, vital support to those facing crisis - from bereavement and poverty, to family breakdown and eldercare. By guiding people through complex bureaucratic systems and restoring stability, Paperweight protects the vulnerable, promotes justice, and supports mental wellbeing. Members of WLS are volunteers, while others have been supported by Paperweight after the loss of a partner, or in times of financial difficulty. Your support can help keep this essential, compassionate lifeline running - so no one must face life’s toughest challenges alone.
We have selected a really worthy array of causes. Should you wish to specify one or more of the above areas for your donation, please do so, otherwise your generosity will be split equally between the five causes.
Now, more than ever before, we need your help. Please dig deep in your response. Your generosity will not only be immensely appreciated but will make a significant difference.
Wishing you and yours a Shanah Tovah, a happy and healthy New Year.
Please specify if you would like your donation to go to a specific cause on the space.
We do advise all our donors that the synagogue will retain in its general overhead costs, 10% of each donation, to cover the expenses of administering, supporting and making effective the relevant project.