Hi, my name is Eli Ketzer. I'm raising money to help my temple, Congregation Beth Emeth of Albany, NY, find an easier way for our community members to honor their loved ones at our cemetery in Loudonville.

This summer, I became a Bar Mitzvah and entered into the world of Jewish adulthood. My temple asks every student to participate in a meaningful mitzvah project to complement our learning and deepen our connection to their Jewish identity.

My mitzvah project is to raise money to donate weatherproof containers for the tz’ror throughout the Beth Emeth Cemetery. Tz’ror is the Hebrew word for “pebble,” the rock that we place on the gravestones of our ancestors when we visit to recognize God as our rock, our permanent source of comfort which will always be there for us. Tz’ror also means “bond,” so we also acknowledge that there will always be a permanent connection to those we love who have left us.

Since older family members and people with disabilities can’t always look for a stone – and because this is such an important tradition for so many – won’t you please help me provide durable containers throughout the cemetery to hold these reminders of our deep connection to family and friends?

Any amount is much appreciated, no matter how big or small!