Shaar Cares Gratitude Diary

I am so grateful for the Zoom Kaddish Meeting. Since my family is spread across North America it enabled us to be together for Kaddish for the first time in 19 years. Thank you once again.

- Naomi Finkelstein

Dear Rabbi Scheier, Gideon, Abby, Rachel, Roï, Yosi and staff,

Not only have you brought light, a feeling of hope, knowledge, and organization into our lives, but most importantly, you have filled us with spirituality, Torah, wisdom, connection and love, with prayers, services, lectures, and music. It is, and has been, a time of great uncertainty and disruption.You have helped calm our fears, lessen our anxieties, and given us hope for a better future. I thank you sincerely, for helping us get through this difficult period, and for taking us out of ‘bondage’ and into the land of eventual ‘freedom’. Chag Shavuot Sameach

- Farla Cohen

In my deepest time of need the whole Shaar family has been very close by my side. To Rabbi Scheier, Rabba Abby, Cantor Gideon, and the entire group of Shaar Cares volunteers, an ever grateful thank you! The emails, the Shabbat services and the music of the Shaar has taken me through a very dark time in my life! Many thanks to everyone.

- Sandra Mintz

It has been said that the difference between entitlement and privilege is gratitude. It might, therefore, follow that if, even in the face of adversity, we remain grateful for our blessings, then we are, indeed, privileged.

- Ron Vineberg

B'H

Dear Rabbi Scheier, Gideon, leadership of Shaar, we dont have enough words to express our gratitude and amazement for how much you all have done for our community in past two month with incredible initiative introducing so much help and programmes to keep us connected. It is a most wonderful heartwarming feeling to realize how much you care and stay involved constantly making sure evereyone is taking care of. Thanks a million for making our lives so much more pleasant and meaningful. Shabbat Shalom! Looking forward to todays services at 5pm. Grateful appreciative.

 - Irene and Charlie Roth

Words cannot express how grateful we are for the beautiful outreach and warmth that comes from our Shaar family. From the most inspiring d’varim by Rabbi Scheier every morning to the amazing classes throughout the week, from the caring calls and deliveries, we thank you. We are so fortunate to be part of this very special Shaar community. Thank you, Rabbi Scheier and every one of your wonderful volunteers.

- Esther & Sydney Marovitch

I will forever be grateful to Rabbi Scheier, and all the team at the Shaar. You have made a very difficult time in my life bearable. The outreach, the warmth, the caring, and of course the wonderful programming, has made a very lonely time into an interesting , and friendly time. I feel as if I am a part of a much bigger family! And, not alone. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

- Beverley Hamburg

Attended the Shaar Shabbat service for fifty years & then, the Shul closed. I am so grateful to the Rabbi, Rabba, Cantor Gideon & Yosi for working so hard to fill the void. Thank you to the volunteers who delivered those wonderful meals.I  am so fortunate to be a member of the Shaar.

- Susan Palevsky

Never in our wildest nightmares did we ever imagine our world would encounter such rampant pain and suffering. And then, as all of this darkness was swirling in our heads, the brightest light showed up--our first grandchild BH Juliana Chana was born, on Seder night April 8th. Suddenly, we’re transported into another world, a world of new beginnings, new possibilities, new hope. (It helps when the baby has the cutest face).

- Josie and David Lupovich

I want to congratulate Rabbi Scheier and the leadership of the Shaar Hashomayim Synagogue for their initiative in creating The Shaar Cares project in response to the Covid-19 crisis. Not only is it helping many citizens in need, but it is also an inspiration to our Synagogue members and our community. I am grateful and  proud to be a member of the Shaar and I am happy to support this remarkable and worthwhile endeavour. 

With best wishes for continued success,

 - Dorothy Reitman CM

To The Shaar for reaching out to me (a relatively new member) immediately with help for Pesach, Shabbat meals, dvakii8r messages, Shabbat services on line, it’s wonderful volunteers, and to our Rabbi and to Gideon.

- Guita Hyman

The Meals, prepared and delivered to  so many JEM workers has made SUCH a difference to them. Thank you for your support and generosity to those less fortunate.

- Danny Kay, Managing Director JEM

I am grateful for the oppportunity to get to know so many of our congregants on a one to one basis through the many phone calls that have been flowing to and from my home. I have discovered such a richness of intellect, caring and a deep feeling of “the Shaar really does care”. And the virtual programmes that have been made available add to the overall sense that we are not alone. We have a Shaar family. Thank you to clergy, staff, volunteers, and Jose and Tanya’s kitchen “family” for everything.

-  Carole Rocklin

1:15 AM.

The business world is upside down.

The daily routine and family life are uncharted.

At the late hour, or very early morning, depends how we look at it, I decided to read your email. 

Click- the link onto the music selection.

Click- onto a wonderfully calming, inspiring and soothing selection of holiday chants and other 

familiar tunes that bring a tear of joy. A sigh of relief.

A big smile. 

Thank you rabbi. Thank you all for shedding light in a forest full of confusion and doubt.

Smiles to all.

- Michael, Erika and Emma Leibowitz

I am grateful to my Shaar Family who called me to ask how I was  doing and if I needed anything. I will not name them because the list is too long. It’s when times are tough that you know who your friends are.  

I am grateful to the Shaar clergy for trying so hard to communicate and motivate while they have such difficult and unusual issues to deal with.

I am grateful to my family in the U.S. and Switzerland for making their presence felt all the time. As a result, I never feel confined.

I am grateful for so many things that I can go on and on. 

Most important of all, I am grateful to God for giving me the privilege of being well enough to express my gratitude, to receive the kindness of others and to give support to those who need it.

- Robin Behar