Jewish Owls Turn 10!

Dear Temple Chabad Family and Friends,

                As many of you know, the Kantor Family joined the Temple University Family the 2007-2008 school year.  As the summer semester of the 2017-2018 semester comes to a close, us YOUNG JEWISH OWL ALUMNI thought it would be the perfect opportunity to say thank you to the Kantors for all they have done for us, and all that they continue to do for the current and future generations of JEWISH OWLS at Temple University.  

            10 YEARS HAVE GONE BY!!! Some of us have graduated, gotten married, even had children of our own.  The Kantors have been there through late night study sessions and stressful semesters.  They have been there to bring us emergency chicken soup deliveries when we were feeling sick and our parents were just too far at the moment.  They were there for our graduations and entrance exams for grad school, through boards and licensing.  They were there for us when family members became ill and even when loved ones passed.  They were there for tragedies and simchas alike.  They come to our weddings.  They come for brises and upsherins.  They even calm down parents when the Jewish parent in them gets worried about something or other. 

            And let us not forget the real reason we go to Chabad… Chanie’s cooking!!! No, I’m just kidding, the KANTOR CHILDREN!!! Who remembers hearing a beautiful parsha from Mendel or looking at his Rebbe (not to be traded) cards?  Maybe a joke is what you needed after a long stressful week?  What about Mushka and Liba helping Chanie in the kitchen or helping with the little ones?  They have literally turned into little Yiddusha mamas before our eyes, and maybe even taught us independent millennial children a thing or two about taking care of the home and family… Maybe life became overwhelming and nothing was better than a smile and some play time with Levi or Schneur.

As a daughter of parents who ran away from the Soviet Union, my parents didn’t necessarily want me to become too involved with Jewish life on campus.  They had fears built into them from their past life.  They worried about safety.  The Kantors welcomed me in as family.  They took and continue to take their time with me, never giving me more than I can handle.  I would take a step back, get frustrated with certain processes, but always come “home.”  What started out with, “Ok, I’ll come check out the Sukka” turned into a 10 year friendship that I treasure more than anything in this world… besides my parents, of course.  I slowly began coming to lunch and learns.  Who can say no to a bagel and lox mid-day?  I popped in for Shabbos.  Yet, somehow even if I may have come to eat and socialize, Torah was all around me.  Come for the food; stay for the soul.  Chabad at Temple turned into my safe haven, my stability and balance.  When things seemed off in life, I always knew and know that I can pop in… for a minute, for an hour, for a meal, or not at all… and I’ll be welcomed with open arms and even get a mitzvah in if and when I so choose. Though it didn’t take 10 years, my parents also came around.  They too have become a part of the Chabad at Temple family and consider the Kantors their own. 

And so, I am here with a CALL TO ACTION!!! Starting August 7th running until September 7th, we would like to raise $18,000 as a thank you to the Kantor Family.  They have helped us build and sustain Jewish LIFE on Campus and it’s time we return the favor and also give them a little LIFE!

PLEASE join us in our efforts to say thank you and please keep this a SECRET!!

We would like to surprise them with this special gift on September 12th, 2018 as a very sweet gift going into 5779.  We also encourage you to write letters about what Chabad means to you.  If you play an instrument, send us a video of you playing something for the Kantors!  If you would just like to say MAZEL TOV for 10 YEARS, record yourself and send us the video.  Are you an artist?  We’d love for you to create something special.  The Kantors have done soo much for us over the years and we would really like to make this special for them.

We will also be having a COMPETITION!

The Alumni who raises the most money will be honored as a
TU Chabad Alumni MVP!
The ceremony will take place at a reception to follow.
Details to be provided at a later date.

We need people to reach out to individuals one on one if we're going to keep this a secret.  This means hands on effort from all of us. NO FACEBOOK POSTING. We don't want the Kantors to get wind of this. Call people.  Email them.  Text them.   Message them privately.  
Let's make it personal, like the Kantors always have with us.

We cannot do this without you.  Please reach out to fellow alumni, co-workers, bosses, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.  We would love to not only reach our goal, but Gd willing, surpass it! If you are interested in making any large-scale contributions or would like to make arrangements for any other gifts, please email us at [email redacted].  You can also reach out to myself or my co-President, Rachel Pogolowitz with any specific questions.

Thank You SO Much for reading this far and for being a part of our family. 
Wishing You and Your Family A Sweet New Year!
 
Warmest Regards,
TU Chabad Young Alum

Roxanne Zhilo, Esquire
Co-President of TU Chabad Young Alum