Dear Friend

I hope this note finds you and your family well.

Allow me to share some notes from our inbox:

"Have I told you how much I enjoy the Torah classes? I love the Torah classes!"

"I would probably jump through hoops of fire and walk on hot coals for all
you and Mendel do for my family..." Anonymous

"Tonight was impressive. I know a TON of work goes into choreographing an event like tonight. And that you had the mayor and the entire fire department and and so many others. I was really proud!" Deborah Berg

"This year’s High Holidays were the most meaningful and enjoyable for me – because of the Slavins and the Chazzan.... I wanted to thank you for considering me in everything you do. From Tzippy insisting that she send a small dinner just before the fast, which I insisted that I did not want, and enjoyed every bite, as she knew I would." David Korobkin

"I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful the Services were. Although exhausting, it was beautiful. Chabad did a great job giving us all a special holiday service.... I am so happy to be a part of such a wonderful community" Resa Landau

"I just wanted to say to you and Tzippy that we are so grateful - its been a wonderful experience-and we are so happy that we met you guys.... Thank YOU so much for everything that you do.. for the Community, the small San Clemente Community that it is - but its amazing to be a part of it, thank you SO much. Have a great weekend, shabbat shalom.." Dina Fabrikant

By now, you must have received our Year End Letter. Your support during these difficult economic times means the world to Tzippy and myself, and to all those that benefit from the year long programs the Chabad Jewish Center offers.

We are thankful for all those that had already responded with a generous year end contribution. We have already raised 13,000.00, and our goal is to raise $25,000.00 for our Year End Campaign. Please help us reach our goal.

There are only 7 days left. Please help us finish the year strong by submitting your "Year End Contribution" now: at www.jewishsc.com/EndOfYear

Together we are bringing light to so many people and brightening their lives.

Together, we have made it possible for the 200+ crowd to celebrate Chanukah on the Pier and light our beautiful giant Menorah. Our Hebrew School children are learning reading and the beauty of their Heritage on a weekly basis. $12,000+ was given out in scholarship grants for Hebrew School and camp funds and thousands were disbursed from our emergency fund. There were also numerous hospital and senior visits, 100+ hours of counseling. Hundreds have enjoyed our various Holiday events, such as Rosh Hashana, Purim, Passover Seder and Shavuot. Our biweekly Services and Kiddush are the highlight of people's week and our Friday Night Dinners are something special. Our Women’s Circle is a wonderful time for bonding and fun. Our JLI Adult Education and Weekly Parsha Classes have provided hours of stimulating discussions and lessons. All in all this year has been a remarkable one here at Chabad of San Clemente!

For the past 8 years, we have proudly served as the ONLY Jewish Organization and Jewish Center in the South end of Orange County; giving many here a Jewish home right in their own backyards. We are the only Jewish Center to directly neighbor an army base and we are fortunate to be able to be there in every way for our Military Families!

Together we have been able to say yes to so many in their times of need.

But there is so much more to do and many more people in need. Help us, so that we can be there for the Community. Our strength and stability makes it possible for us not only to operate but to flourish.

From the needy families who received emergency funding, to the hospital patients or seniors who received a visit, to the drug addicts who needed help getting sober and clean, to the lonely person who discovers a welcoming community, to the many seeking counseling and job referrals, to the hundreds of people who have been touched and positively impacted by the community and educational programs offered by Chabad, Chabad is helping make a difference.

You can help all of these and many more with a year-end gift.

We are operating here for 8 years and have been able to maintain a non-deficit operation through organization and constant budgeting, with community support.

If You Have Already Given This Year

If you have already given this year, thank you so much. We know this has not been an easy year and you have come through for us in an amazing way. Without you nothing we did this year would have been possible. However, if you are able, I would ask you to consider adding to your great mitzvah by adding to your annual contribution at this time.

Or you can mail in your gift to: 1001 Avenida Pico #233, San Clemente CA 92673.

If You Have Not Yet Invested This Year

If you have not yet had the opportunity to contribute this year, please consider making an investment at this time. No amount is too small or too large. Every amount is a big mitzvah and is greatly appreciated.

Other Ways To Help

There are other options in addition to cash donations that can help Chabad as well.

1. Stock transfer
2. Vehicle donations
3. Corporate Matching funds programs from: Boeing, IBM, Wells Fargo etc.
4. Charitable foundations
5. Remembering Chabad in your will

Respond to this email if you can help with any of the above.

May the giving of charity bring much blessing to you and your family and may we merit the time when money will be as abundant as the dust of the earth.

Thank you so very much.
Rabbi Mendel Slavin

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF SAN CLEMENTE is ever more important in these troubled times. In times of challenge people look towards us and other similarly important organizations for moral support, even more perhaps than when things are good. People look for hope! They hope to see that although the major "pillars" of our economic stability may crumble, the organizations dedicated to Torah, G‑d and the Jewish people stand strong, thrive and grow.