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YOU UNMASKED THEIR JEWISH PRIDE This has been a unique year! In spite of challenges, our community is alive and growing! Thank you for being there. For every individual. For today. For the future. You helped them feel connected while physically distanced. You let them know that somebody cared. Thanks to your support, many have enjoyed an incredible hybrid of virtual and to-go programming throughout the holidays, fall, and winter. You put smiles on their faces when people picked up Shabbat To Go packages or hopped aboard the Sukkah Mobile. You warmed their hearts when they got a video call check-in or a challah delivered.
You gave everyone a place to feel at home and get re-Jew-vinated when 2020 needed a boost! We’ve got amazing things planned to make sure that 2021 year will be full of light, joy & connection. Thank you again! Wishing you health and safety,
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Rabbi Menachem & Adina Landa
Hadassa, Yossi, Levi, Chaya, & Chana
YOU CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER
One spring night, 8 years ago, a rabbi with a black jacket and beard rang my doorbell. I refused to let him in, and he offered to talk through the screen door.
We talked for a long time and then I finally let him in. He gave me matza for Passover. He introduced himself as Rabbi Menachem Landa, the new Rabbi to town.
And thus began a friendship and an introduction to a community that has forever changed my life.
I joined for prayer services, only because I wanted to be near such wonderful people.
For the first time, I really felt like I belonged.
I got to know everybody because I was a part of it from the beginning when it was still small, and I am amazed at how the community has grown into a beautiful oasis of friendship and kindness. You gave me community.
The Friday night Shabbat dinners were the highlight of my life. They were open to people with diverse ideas and discussion. Menachem’s teachings opened up my life as a Jew. I’ve always been proud to be Jewish but you opened up my Jewish heart.
I lived in Novato for over 20 years and I didn't even know there was another Jew in Novato.
I was frustrated spiritually and since I’ve been with Chabad, I’ve been comfortable spiritually.
You are a lamplighter.
It’s the first time in my life that I’ve seen that kind of all-encompassing non-judgmental love. To me that’s Chabad in a nutshell.
- Ruth Abrass
YOU WERE THERE FOR ME
I am going through the hardest time of my life right now. I feel alone, and without family or support. Some days were so dark for me that I didn’t even know if I could survive it.
And then you showed up. You were there for me. You gave me a home to come to, with the best Friday night dinners. You gave me family by letting me be a part of yours.
Your joy and excitement for life is infectious.
You helped me financially, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Your positive energy has been an anchor for me throughout my current life crisis.
I now have more of a connection to my Judaism, as well as a sense of community (even during the pandemic!) Thank you, thank you, thank you.
- Isaac Roberts
YOU GAVE ME A HOME
“Home is where the heart is” may be true in songs, but in reality we have one heart and multiple homes. For me and many others, Chabad of Novato is our second home.
I moved to Novato in 2018, just myself, with no family around. I googled Jewish events and found out about the Annual Chabad public menorah lighting, coordinated by the Landas, just around the corner from where I was living. I met the Landas, among the hundreds of other participants there, and then attended a Chanukah-themed women’s event the following night.
I was so warmly welcomed and immediately felt at home.
You gave me my place.
You provided community, friendship, and the warmth of your home.
I know I can come whenever I feel alone. You are like my family here.
You gave me community and connections that I otherwise would have never had. Just your presence here gives me comfort.
- Amy Blatt