Shamash Candle

Dear Friend

I’m just a candle called Shamash. You never think of me, but you see me every year.

Everyone thinks a Chanukah Menorah has 8 candles, one for each night. That’s because everyone ignores me. But I’m there, right on the Menorah.

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Shamash means service. My job is to serve. To help you light the other candles. Normally, I keep quiet and know my place. Separate and apart from the others.

But today I need to speak up. I can’t stand off quietly to the side.

    David is a graduate student who recently moved to Baltimore. He spends most of the time in his apartment, rarely leaving for shopping or recreation. His grandfather died, and he had no one to share this with, so all he did was post about it on his Instagram. He couldn’t even go to the funeral.

    Before Covid-19, he was looking forward to law school to make new friends and be a part of the Jewish community. But now everything is on Zoom. He hasn’t even met his professors yet!

You can help. You can light up his life. You can be a Shamash. Just like me.

Many young adults and grad students are suffering from loneliness. They need to feel part of a strong, loving, and supportive community. They need to socialize and meet with their Jewish peers. They don't want to feel alone.

In today’s "masked" world, we need to help them smile brighter!

We all depend on real social interaction, community, and friendship. It gives us meaning. It gives us strength. It makes us who we are! 

Your gift will help create a community, even in these difficult times. Your donation of $180 -- or any amount – helps make it possible. You can help them smile.

You can help them.

You can light up their smiles and their fire.

Your gift will help so many;

     - With your help, we can create Shababt2Go & Holiday2Go packages. You will help them celebrate Shabbat and holidays, as a community, together, while afar. Your gift will help them realize that they are not alone, they are not forgotten, and they are part of a wonderful community.

     - When we can meet safely outside, and at a distance, you will help them find an in-person community in these very strange and troubled times. You will give them a space to connect, engage, and grow.

     - For those in isolation, you will remind them they are not forgotten. We can visit them from a distance. We can wave from the street, check-in on the phone and learn over zoom. You will light a bright smile on their faces.

I know that you get a lot of requests this time of year. I also know what it’s like to be called to serve. It’s not comfortable. And sometimes you wish they would find someone else. But to me, there is nothing sadder than an unlit menorah. So I ask for your help.

You and I are the Shamash. You are called to serve and you step up. I’m asking you to do that today for the sake of these wonderful young adults and the Jewish community in downtown.

This has been a tough year for all of us, especially so for those away from family. You can make sure their network of support remains strong when they need it most.

None of us fully understand the impact of the pandemic. But they will understand your love and support for them.

If $180 is a lot for you right now, any amount will help. If you can give more, please do so. Whatever you can give, please know that whatever you send will be put to good use - every penny.

Thank you for considering my request.

Light-fully,

   Shamash Candle