Dear Friends, 

November 20 was a day I will never forget. Gateways’ “Sweet Sounds” Event always serves as a potent reminder of all the lives we are able to touch through our menu of programs, the hundreds of children with special needs – and their families -- now able to be included as full members of the Jewish community.

“Sweet Sounds” never fails to remind me that none of this would be possible without the vision and support of our wonderful Boston Federation, Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP), and all of the supporters whose dedication and generosity stand behind each and every child who can now receive a Jewish education that’s right for them.

But this year, after our Event Co-chairs Marni Smilow Levitt and Cindy Kaplan welcomed the 400-plus Gateways supporters to Mishkan Tefila’s social hall, after we dedicated the event to the memory of our dear friend and supporter Mort Ruderman, heard from those whose lives have been transformed by Gateways and saluted those educators we’re able to inspire through the Nemzoff Prize, I realized anew how deeply and widely the Gateways impact is felt every day.

It’s felt across denominations and communities, in day schools, congregational schools and preschools and among the teachers who Gateways helps to create more welcoming and inclusive classrooms. It’s felt each time our children sing the Sh’ma, learn alongside their siblings at 10 area day schools or in one of our local congregational schools, each time they participate in their families’ Shabbat and holiday rituals or enjoy the bar or bat mitzvah they could only have dreamed of a few short years ago.

Visit our event page to hear some of what these wonderful “voices” shared with us (and see Barry Shrage adopted as an honorary Mitzvah Mensch – complete with official T-shirt!). 

I look forward to seeing you all at next year’s Sweet Sounds…

Arlene Remz