The Charlotte Jewish News -September 2009 - Page 22 Jewish Educational Loan Fund Loans Nearly Half a Million in Greatest Time of Need Hebrew Cemetery The Jewish Educational Loan Fund (JELF) has awarded more than $450,000 in interest-free loans to 126 Jewish students throughout the southeast for the 2009-2010 academic year. JELF received a record number of appli cations this year. To the Charlotte area, JELF loaned over $24,000. “The economy has certainly impacted the need in our commu nities,” says Jerry Riemer, Loan Review Co-Chair. Co-Chair, Kathe Brown adds, “In the great est time of need, JELF is proud to be here for the Jewish students in the southeast who not be able to pursue higher education without JELF’s assistance.” While JELF currently adminis ters approximately $2.9 million in outstanding loans, it has main tained its impressive 98% repay ment rate. As students repay their loans, JELF uses those payments to make new loans, creating a cir cle of tzedakah. Applications for the 2010-2011 academic year will be available on JELF’s website at www.jelf org in February 2010. Before JELF’s interest-free loans are awarded, students must demonstrate that they have sought funding through other sources, including loans, scholarships and grants, and have come up short in meeting their needs. Students also must maintain a minimum grade- point average to continue to receive their loan. For additional information, contact JELF Executive Director Lara Dorfman at 770-396-3080 or visit www.jelf org. The Jewish Educational Loan Fund, a non-profit organization based in Atlanta, grants interest- free loans to Jewish students from communities in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia for post-secondary study at accredited institutions. JELF loans are “last dollar,” meaning they supply the final funds that a student needs to attend school. These loans can be used for study at a college or uni versity, graduate school or profes sional/vocational school that leads to a degree or certificate. ^ By Lorrie Klemons, publicity As we prepare ourselves both physically and mentally for the approaching High Holidays, Jews all over the world take a moment to think about what the holidays mean to us collectively as a Jewish people and as individuals living in a secular world. It is a time for deep reflection and connection with who we are as a person, and as a people. We are a people who care. We are a people who share. We are a people of prayer As the Book of Life slowly closes with the end of the Neilah prayer on September 28, may we all be inscribed for a happy and health year La Shana Tovah! Before that Book closes, we have an opportunity to re-commit ourselves to the Jewish values that make Judaism so important, and life so grand. It’s all about mitzvot. As you think about what Judaism means to you, commit yourself to tikkun olam, healing the world. One easy way to do this is by becoming a member of the Charlotte Hebrew Cemetery Association. Don’t think you are SWIMMER Wishing You and Your Family The Very Best This Holiday Season Swimmer Insurance Agency 725 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28207 | 704.333.6694 www.swimmeritisurance.com too young to become a member of this sanctified association of over 700+ Charlottean families. You are never too young to recognize that death is a normal process of life. You are never too young to be prepared for life’s worst moments. And by supporting the work of this wonderful association, you elevate the souls of all those who preceded you in eternal life which is a holy mitzvah in and of itself You are invited to the cemetery on Sunday, September 27 at 10:30 AM, rain or shine, to join along with your favorite local Rabbi as together we participate in a com- munity-wide Memorial Service to honor those holy departed souls who found an eternal holy resting place at the Charlotte Hebrew Cemetery. By joining us, you help us Tikkun Olam. Hebrew Cemetery Association Annual Meeting and Memorial Service: Sunday, September 27 at 10:30 AM, 1801 Statesville Ave. Directions: 277 North. Exit 3B at Church St. exit; right onto Graham St.; bear left at light onto Statesville Ave.; cemetery is about 1/2 mile donw on left. For more info about member ship, donations, services or plots, call executive director Sandra Goldman at 704-944-6854, 704- 576-1859, or email her at direc- tor@hebrewcetery.org. Visit our website at www.hebrewceme- tery.org. ^ Foundation of Shalom Park Says Thank You Though the majority of funding for the Barbara L. Levine Parking Pavilion was derived from the Levine fami lies, the Foundation of Shalom Park would like to acknowl edge and thank the following contributors to the Parking Deck campaign: Leon & Sandra Levine, Howard & Julie Levine, Eric & Lori Sklut, Shelton Gorelick Families, Meiselman Families, Alvin Levine Families, William Gorelick Families, Blumenthal Families, Jerry & Barbara Levin, Don & Bobbi Bernstein, Larry & Dale Polsky, Fred & Marcy Dumas, The Luski Families, David & Judy Miller, The Swimmer Families, Rich Osborne