L’dor V’dor Campaign

Dear Or Ami community –

Just a few weeks ago, our Or Ami community gathered around Seder tables to celebrate Passover — the festival of freedom. As we recited the words of the Haggadah and retold the story of our ancestors’ journey from slavery to liberation, we were reminded that in every generation, we are called to see ourselves as part of that unfolding story. Passover teaches us that the journey toward freedom and stability is ongoing — and that the responsibility to safeguard and sustain our community rests with each of us.

The Seder’s message is clear: “In every generation, each of us is obligated to see ourselves as though we personally went out from Egypt.” This is not merely a recounting of ancient history but a call to ensure that the chain of tradition — L’dor V’dor — remains unbroken. For many of us today, the focus of our continuing connection to the Jewish community is the synagogue. Indeed, in the year and a half since the October 7 attacks, synagogues around the country have reported increased engagement within their communities. Perhaps this trend is part of why we are seeing rising participation – and rising membership –  at Or Ami.

At Or Ami, membership dues currently cover only 80% of our operating expenses, so the ebb and flow of membership numbers, whether driven by demographic or other forces, can affect our financial strength. To cover the rest of our costs, we rely on grant funding (which has become more challenging this year), as well as the generosity of our membership. Our “pay-as-you-go” finances leave us limited in our ability to undertake new initiatives.

To maintain and strengthen our community — and to ensure its vibrancy for future generations — we want to build an endowment whose income stream can cover a meaningful portion of our routine expenses. Our goal is to grow this fund to provide a stable financial foundation, helping to sustain our programs, maintain our sacred space, and explore new initiatives.

Just a year ago, Or Ami created an endowment fund – our L’dor V’dor fund – for this purpose. While we have made  a good start in building this fund, it is still well short of where it needs to be in order to provide a substantial measure of financial security. That is why today we are launching a fundraising drive to grow the L’dor V’dor fund, with a target of $100,000. But just as important as the overall number is broad participation, so our goal is to have each family in our community represented, as their means allow. Some will be able to give more and some less, but just as the Israelites brought their offerings to build the Mishkan in the wilderness, we are asking all to contribute what they can.

If we can succeed at this effort we will not only ensure the stability of our ongoing operations and programming. We will also give ourselves a financial cushion so that we can more confidently undertake building improvements and explore new programs and activities. Possible initiatives that have been suggested include renovating and modernizing our facility, as well as improving maintenance, and creating a family lounge.

Please go to the Or Ami web site to join us in this sacred endeavor. To learn more, you may also reach out to any member of our fundraising committee (named below).

Thank you for walking this journey with us — and for helping ensure that, together, we will continue to tell our story for generations to come.

Darren Moorehead, president
Jared Rubin, Fundraising co-chair
John Weinberg, Fundraising co-chair
Jeff Lacker
Ed Kaufman
Alex Wolman