Why Pledge Your Money for Your Synagogue’s New School?…by Robert M. Katzman
by Robert M. Katzman © May 4, 2008
Some uses of brick and mortar are distinct
From purposes that most people think
A building’s for, like keeping warm
Or seeking shelter from a storm
***
Especially one built by a Synagogue
With ideas beyond the speaking of God
Where the walls hold concepts millennia old
Where most worlds welcome, more than scold
***
A new school establishes a precedent
That combined donations can make a dent
That a dedicated place to teach a child
Our ancient laws, can create a new vial
***
To hold and preserve the wisdom of Sages
As each learns to read, old words from new pages
The Torah, The Talmud, The Golden Rule
Flow into our young in a brand new school
***
Tzedakah spent on such a place
Can make some pause in their status race
Mercedes or Ford? Choose economy over looks
The difference can buy us thousands of books
***
New schools attract a sense of appreciation
That only learning can preserve Jews as a Nation
So, when donating money, remember to choose
This Vessel, these bricks, that are “Good for the Jews”
***
Tzedakah = Charity (in English)
Kind of an unusual story, and just found in an old box, written by me 13 years ago, I offered this to my Temple which was in financial trouble as a way of raising some cash. The Temple Treasurer dismissed my work as irrelevant, with a laugh. After a while, I dismissed that Temple because Jewish boys from the South Side of Chicago don’t like to be pissed on. (This may or may not be in the Torah) and in a while the Temple closed down.
Hopefully, this many years later, whether my readers are Jewish, Christian or Moslem, to support their own religious institutions.
Happy Passover, my evaporated old family, wherever you are.
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Publishing News!
Bob Katzman’s two new true Chicago books are now for sale, from him!
Vol. One: A Savage Heart and Vol. Two: Fighting Words
Gritty, violent, friendship, classic American entrepreneurship love, death, heartbreak and the real dirt about surviving in a completely corrupt major city under the Chicago Machine. More history and about one man’s life than a person may imagine.
Please visit my new website: https://www.dontgoquietlypress.com
If a person doesn’t want to use PayPaI, I also have a PO Box & I ship anywhere in America.
Send me a money order with your return and contact info.
I will get your books to you within ten days.
Here’s complete information on how to buy my books:
Vol 1: A Savage Heart and Vol. 2: Fighting Words
My books weigh almost 2 pounds each, with about 525 pages each and there are a total together of 79 stories and story/poems.
Robert M. Katzman
Don’t Go Quietly Press
PO Box 44287
Racine, Wis. 53404-9998 (262)752-3333, 8AM–7PM
Books cost $29.95 each, plus shipping
For: (1)$3.95; (2)$5.95; (3)$7.95; (4)$8.95 (5)$9.95;(6) $10.95
(7) $11.95; (8) $12.95; (9)$13.95 (10)$15.95 (15)$19.95
Shipping by air to most of Europe, due to the weight of my books is $99.00
I am also for hire if anyone wants me to read my work and answer questions in the Chicago/Milwaukee area. Schools should call me for quantity discounts for 30 or more books. Also: businesses, bookstores, private organizations or churches and so on.