"Every schul to which I have belonged has put itself first. Fundraise for carpeting, fundraise for new chairs, etc. The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas puts "tikkun olam" first. The generosity of this congregation in times of need and peril of its island neighbors impressed me immensely. I have heard it lauded in the community. To help continue this work in the future, I have designated a portion of my estate to The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas." - Betty Wiese

“I grew up on the island and had my bar mitzvah at the synagogue. My parents and three of my grandparents are buried in the Jewish cemetery that the Hebrew Congregation maintains. So my two siblings and I continue to feel a strong connection to the congregation even though we haven’t lived on the island for years. The synagogue is an architectural and historic treasure, as is the cemetery, but the congregation remains small. Thus, financial support from former congregants like us is very important.” - Donald Kimelman

"The St. Thomas Synagogue is perhaps the most awe-inspiring, peaceful, beautiful place of worship I’ve ever experienced. When I think about how much it took to keep this congregation going since 1796, how dedicated those Jews were to keeping Judaism alive on this island, I realize how lucky I am today to call this synagogue MY synagogue. We first decided to leave money to the congregation years ago, when we were a lot younger. Taking out an insurance policy with the synagogue as one of two beneficiaries made good financial sense.  We have since also left bequests to the synagogue because it means so much to our family — our children celebrated their bar and bat mitzvahs within its walls, our daughter and son-in-law were married there, and our granddaughter was named there. It has played a major and meaningful role in our lives for more than 40 years. We want the St. Thomas Synagogue to continue to play an important role in the lives of Jews who live here and those who visit this historic gem. To achieve this, it must have financial resources. Our support will help make that possible." - Hank and Penny Feuerzeig

"Our connection to the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas started when we attended Friday night services while on vacation over thirty years ago. We were smitten by the history of the synagogue – and the Sand on the Floor took our breath away. The congregation welcomed us warmly for the service and oneg, and we immediately felt part of the community. We have been annual, lifetime chai members ever since and are proud to add to the ongoing legacy of this historic, yet modern congregation." - Ronnie and David Parker, New York, NY March 2022

"When I moved to the Virgin Islands in 1993, my arrival coincided with the High Holy Days.  My husband, who is not Jewish, urged me to attend services and from that moment we found our chosen island family there.  Preserving the historic synagogue that has been home to the congregation since 1833 was very important to us and led to our support for a major restoration.  We encourage others to support this special place of Jewish history in the Caribbean." - Trudie Prior