Dear Friends and Family,

      We’re writing to tell you about an innovative new fund-raising project we’re doing to raise money for the B'nai Tzedek Youth Foundation, a Jewish teen philanthropy board, which we are a part of. The board offers an incredible experience for high school students interested in philanthropy and Tikun Olam (Repairing the Earth). Each year, our process includes writing our own mission statement, raising money, and allocating this money in small grants to various Jewish organizations that we deem deserving and fitting with our mission statement. In previous years we as a board have raised as much as $18,000 and have given money to projects like Jewish Family Services' New American Program, a program which sponsors refugees from countries like Somalia, Burundi, and many more. This year, in order to raise the $600 we’re responsible for, we’ve decided to make and sell custom earrings to our friends, family, and community. The earrings are of top quality, top design and top worth, as the money not only buys a great piece of jewelry, but is also a donation to a great cause.

      As some of you may remember, Miriam did a similar project for her Bat Mitzvah in 2005, and, in past years, Rachel has raised the money for her B'nai Tzedek fund through the Hazon bike ride (a grueling 2 day ride from Connecticut to Manhattan to raise money for the environment). Because B'nai Tzedek did not participate in the ride this year, teaming up with Miriam to bead (something which we both love doing) seemed like a great alternative! Isn’t it wonderful when you can combine something you’re really passionate about with Tzedakah (Charity)? We think so and that’s why we’re so thrilled to be introducing you to B'nai Tzedek Beading. Attached, you’ll find order forms and pictures of all of our designs. Most designs can be made in various colors and sizes (depending on the pair) and we are also open to designing custom pairs to suit your wishes.

      To see our earrings and for more information about ordering please visit our website: www.btbeading.synthasite.com. We will be taking orders by email (btbeaders@gmail.com) or by land mail (35 Harrison Ave. Northampton, MA 01060). We accept cash or checks made out to Rachel Brazie with B'nai Tzedek in the memo line. We will also be selling our earrings at Congregation B'nai Israel Synagogue and possibly other synagogues periodically and will let you know when we have a table set up there, in case you would like to see the earrings in person.

      We will start making your earrings as soon as we receive your order but will not be able to ship them until your payment and order form have arrived; therefore, you can typically expect earrings within 1-2 weeks of payment (we’ll be going as fast as we can!). Please take a look at our catalogue and if you’re interested, we would really appreciate hearing from you. It would also be great if you would forward this email to your friends/family/colleagues/ etc.

      While our minimum is $600, our goal is to raise $1,500, but we cannot do it without your help and support! Please remember the earrings are modestly priced for their craftsmanship, and any EXTRA donations you may choose to make are wholly tax deductible if you write a check to B'nai Tzedek. Also, every dollar that we raise is generously matched by local philanthropist, Harold Grinspoon; therefore giving us $20, really results in $40 going to B'nai Tzedek. They also make great Chanukah/Christmas/birthday presents! A donation and a gift all in one! What could be better?

      Thank you in advance for your consideration and for taking the time to read this, and we hope that you will forward this letter or our web address (www.btbeading.synthasite.com) to all your friends! Also, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information about B'nai Tzedek Youth Foundation or this project. Hope you are all well and having a nice year!
    Sincerely,
    Rachel Brazie and Miriam Kudler- Flam