How Your Generosity Helpsldon J Harris

In the last couple of years, Hill Havurah has been reinforcing its infrastructure in all areas to meet the increasing demands of a growing community. The efforts span the life stages, serve neighboring community members in need, and focus spiritual and educational programming. And it has all been happening in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are just a few reasons why you can be proud of how your donations have supported this hard-working community!
And why your continued generosity is so essential.

• Hill Havurah transitioned to virtual programming almost as soon as the public health emergency was declared. Today, our schedule includes a combination of remote and IRL programs. 
• The High Holiday have been enriched with the introduction of a rabbinic intern.
• The Havurah is enhancing both our physical and cyber security. We are partnering with our host church on a full-scale physical security program and increasing our insurance coverage to adequately protect the congregation against cybercrime and fraud.
• Hill Havurah’s Sages program continues with ways to regularly engage and share in Jewish traditions and dialogue.
• Gan Shalom preschool reopened in September 2020 and has remained open ever since. Now, Gan is expanding to offer families a full-day option with appropriate space to match.
• The number of B’nai Mitzvot is exploding, reaching a peak of 22 this year. Hill Havurah’s new B'nai Mitzvah coordinator just started, strengthening the path from Yavneh to this milestone. 
• Programs to reach and engage new parents and families with very young children are in their second year supported by a grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.
• Hill Havurah created a "pop up" chesed [care] program to deliver baked goods and meals to those in need during omicron. 26 volunteers delivered goodies to 30 families in one month!
• The Tikun Olam Committee has worked to better understand community needs and responded by providing school backpacks, Thanksgiving gift cards and Christmas presents, and helping to furnish nearly 80 apartments for newly-arriving Afghani families.
• Members have told Hill Havurah they want to congregate in spaces that “look and feel Jewish.” Part of our response was commissioning an Ark and matching case for prayer books – both portable and both beautiful. These efforts are ongoing.
   

Thanks for Giving!