I’d like to tell you this story. It’s actually true.
Many years ago, before I came on aliyah, a group of us called ‘Friends’ of a few organisations in Israel spent most of our time collecting money.
That’s what ‘Friends’ spend most of their time doing; the rest of their time talking about the most effective way of doing it.
On one occasion we decided to launch a scholarship fund for a university here in Israel. The amount we chose to raise was $100,000.
Was this the job for a schnorrer?
Not really. A seasoned schnorrer knows how to raise money. That’s his profession.
This project needed a different approach. A personal touch.
“Friends’ do feel comfortable asking money from people they know, but asking money from strangers is another matter.
A schnorrer doesn’t operate that way. He’s just a seasoned operator asking for money. From anybody!
In Jewish humour, the schnorrer is usually the butt of numerous jokes.
Sometimes a schnorrer can make a potential donor laugh.
That’s the art of the profession. Enough for him or her to often their wallet or purse.
But this project was for the ‘Friends’ to conduct. We wanted to keep it personal and friendly.
However, it’s a daunting experience for fundraisers with little experience.
The committee decided we would approach 200 people to donate $500 each.
That would be the most effective way of raising the money.
So, off we went, confident the money could be raised as it was both worthwhile and needed and not an excessive donation.
After about one month, we had raised $92,000 and decided to launch the project with a dinner for the donors who had willingly offered to participate.
After dinner the chairman rose to thank everybody for their support, outlining how the money would be used and telling everybody how the university depended on the generosity of the Jews around the world to support its many programs of tuition.
But then he added that the fund was still short $8,000, though it was a big success for such a small Jewish community.
No sooner had he said this than one of the donors jumped up and shouted out.
“I’ll give you the extra $8000, for I’m really impressed how the Friends are offering their time and effort in an honorary capacity for such a worthy cause.”
He sat down accompanied by much generous applause.
Simply Dedicated People
All of us are well aware that both Israel and Jewish communities need financial support.
Otherwise their aims and objectives can never be fully realised.
It is the generosity of the Jewish people for their willing support that enables us to progress in so many important and necessary endeavours.
No, the ‘Friends’ are not schnorrers at all.
They are simply dedicated people offering their time and willingness for assistance where and when needed.
A need, either in financial assistance or just by offering support in an honorary capacity.
Did You Hear This One?
A schnorrer knocked on Mrs. Goldberg’s door.
“Lady, I’m starving. So do me a mitzvah and give me a bite to eat.”
“Ho, dear,” answered Mrs. Goldberg. “I happen to have little food in the house. But tell me, would you care for some of last night’s kugel?”
“I’d love it!”
“So come back tomorrow.”
Speaking of which…
