A Letter Regarding the Spring Fundraiser Gala

Congregants and Friends of Bais Abraham,

In light of the ongoing efforts to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, including the closure of the Washington University in St. Louis campus, it has become clear that we should not proceed at this time with our fundraiser Gala at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum currently scheduled for March 22. We are sure you share our disappointment but understand that the health of our community must always come first.

We have considered several alternatives and have decided that the best course of action is to postpone the Gala. With the caveat that we must be flexible with plans as the situation evolves, we are hoping, G-d willing, to hold the Gala in early fall. We will communicate the rescheduled date, or alternative plans if necessary, when WashU re-opens its campus.

We are grateful to those who have submitted their RSVPs for the event, as well as their ads for the tribute journal. The annual fundraiser is critical to meeting our financial obligations for operations and programming, and your generosity makes our Shul possible. Your tickets and ads will, of course, carry over to the rescheduled Gala. Should you be unable to attend the Gala on its new date, you will be given the option of converting your ticket purchase to a donation to the shul or requesting a refund.

We express hakarat hatov (sincere thanks) to co-chairs Simone Picker and Dalia Oppenheimer, along with their team of volunteers, for all their work in planning the fundraiser, and to the many community artists who have submitted artwork. Special thanks must also be given to Lori Goldman and Stewart Shilcrat, who we are planning to honor at the Gala. While public recognition of your efforts may have to be delayed, please know that Bais Abraham is grateful for all that you do. We are confident that the event will be a spectacular celebration of our Shul -whenever and wherever it may be held.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to either of us, or to Ruth Schachter-Cohen at office@baisabe.com.

May we be blessed with good health and simcha!

Sincerely,

Rabbi Garth Silberstein, Rabbi

Larry Friedman, President of the Board

Calling all artists!

To celebrate the spiritual, educational, social and community service our shul provides, we invite members and friends to create or donate a work of art that captures in their own minds the spirit of Bais Abe. All types of art in all media (space permitting!) are welcome for consideration: calligraphy, painting, wood-working, sculpture, poetry, video, fabric art, music recording, film, etc. Click here for the official rules and here for the entry forms. All submissions must be made no later than March 1st —philanthropists, collectors and artists, be sure to mark that date in your calendar!

Frequently Asked Questions About Submissions:

What will happen to the artwork I submit if it gets selected for the March 22nd event?

Art selected to display at the event will be up for auction with all of the proceeds going to Bais Abe.

What if my submitted artwork is not sold at the event?

Art pieces that are not sold at the event will go back to the submitter.

How many art pieces can I submit?

Each person can submit up to 3 pieces of artwork. The selection process will be affected by the size and total submissions.

Are there any restrictions as to the size of the artwork?

Size should not be an issue provided the piece can fit in a vehicle for transport.

If you have any additional questions, please email or call the Bais Abe Office at office@baisabe.com or 314-721-3030.