The WORD – 1/5/12. In the week or so since Rich Van Cleft collapsed while working on the roof of the SJCC and passed away (we now know it was a brain aneurism), many people have approached me to ask if there is anything we can do. After attending his wake this past Sunday and meeting members of his family, I believe that there is an appropriate response for us as a congregation.
Rich left behind a wife and three teenage sons, but apparently he did not have life insurance. His oldest son (also named Rich) is planning to go to college next fall. Hopefully, his brothers will follow after him. That’s a lot of tuition for a single mom.
I would like to suggest that we make a contribution toward their education. Whether you met Rich directly or not, it’s hard not to be affected by this story. The fact that it took place on our roof while he was helping us realize our dream of expansion makes it even more touching.
If you would like to help out this family, please send a check made out to the SJCC (put “Richard Van Cleft” in the memo) to me at the synagogue. We will collect all the funds and issue a single check to the Richard Van Cleft Memorial Fund on behalf of the community.
In this week’s Torah portion, we read of the passing of our patriarch Jacob. It was clearly a tremendous loss to his children and grandchildren. Joseph tried to comfort his brothers with the following words: “And so, fear not. I will sustain you and your children (Gen. 50:21).”
Through this act of tzedakah, we can do the same for Richard Van Cleft, of blessed memory.
Shalom,
RAF.
