New Heights Capital Campaign: Stories From the Heart
When did you join BHS and what inspired you to do so?
We joined when our daughter Louisa was born four years ago — she had her baby naming here, and now she is in the preschool (Green Room). Our son Eli, who recently had his first day of preschool (Yellow Room), had his bris at BHS. We had both onegs afterwards at BHS.
Aaron’s parents are active BHS members, and this has been Aaron’s family’s community for as long as he can remember. Aaron attended BHS religious school and had his bar mitzvah and confirmation here. Some of Aaron’s religious school classmate’s little ones are now in school with our kids.
Alycia’s parents and grandparents, meanwhile, are influential supporters and founders of their synagogues on Long Island, so it’s a family tradition for us on both sides to be part of a synagogue community.
How are you involved with BHS?
Aaron is serving on the BHS Board of Trustees for a second term. Alycia co-chairs the membership and engagement committee with Helene Furhman-Gold, and she is also the co-chair of preschool Parent’s Association.
What keeps you coming to BHS?
The feeling of community, our friends here, and the clergy. The city doesn’t feel as impersonal because of BHS. This is our small village, where we know people are watching out for our kids. We will share many life experiences with the people we meet here and grow old together.
What compelled you to invest to the New Heights capital campaign?
While we support a number of institutions, we recognize that many receive support from thousands of individuals or more. At BHS, there are 500 families – that’s it. We can make a real impact by giving to our synagogue.
Our commitment to New Heights is the largest donation we have ever made, by far. We are fortunate to currently be in a position where we can support the synagogue — when we reflect on that, we feel that if we don’t participate in a meaningful way, who else will participate? We hope to set an example for others, particularly those in our generation. While we may be younger, and cautious about making substantial philanthropic commitments, now is the time of need – we are excited to do we can to support this campaign.
What aspects of the new building project most excite you?
People have ideas for programs, clubs and activities all the time, but BHS has to say no because we don’t have the physical capacity. We are just too tight; there is no elbow room. Everything about this project excites us, but some things we are most excited about include a bigger common space, which means bigger Shalom Shabbats; a larger and more functional backyard for the children and more classrooms. It is finally time to get this building sorted out.
What would you like to tell families or individuals thinking of giving to the New Heights capital campaign?
This isn’t a “nice-to-have.” We really need to have this.
This is it. The big one.
Also, there is no master fund for the Jews in the world. It’s our gift for our future – and to Judaism.