Jodi and I bought our first home in the Inverness Townhouses, adjacent to Seven Locks Road, in Potomac.  Next to Inverness is the “Scotland” community, established when former slaves bought the land in the 19th century. Perhaps you have noticed the small white church near to the intersection of Bells Mill Road. Perhaps you never noticed.

As Inverness residents, we did not know that the development sat above a litttle valley along the road.  The Historic Scotland African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church is located in that valley.

In July of 2019 the foundation of the church suffered extensive damage as a result of a devastating rainstorm.  https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/historic-black-church-in-montgomery-co-remains-damaged-by-summer-flood/2220937/. The flooding was partly caused by the topography of the Inverness development.  This is an example of the ways in which our own advancement has had an impact on others who were disadvantaged.

The Church needs $400,000.  After a year, they have raised half that amount with a grant of $100,000 and a GoFund me campaign.  We can help.  I believe we should help.

Imagine how quickly we would respond to rebuild a synagogue that was destroyed.  Aren’t you encouraged to help out our neighbors right here?  Here are my suggestions: Think of how many restaurant meals you haven’t eaten or shows you haven’t seen in the past three months. Then think of what you might donate to rebuild the black community’s church in our own neighborhood. May I suggest a minimum of $100 – the cost of one dinner at Gregorio’s? How about $1,000 the cost of a weekend theater trip to New York? If you send it to the Jewish Studio, I will present a single large check to the Church on behalf of this community.  I’ll share your name unless you instruct otherwise. You can pay on our website, or by check (The Jewish Studio, 10921 Candlelight Lane,  Potomac, Maryland  20854).  I dream big – let’s raise $100,000!

They hope to begin rebuilding in July, 2020 so please respond today.  One more thing, if you believe this is worthy of your own investment, then share this email with someone else who might agree with that sentiment.   If you don’t participate in the Jewish Studio, perhaps you will share this with your spiritual community or synagogue.  I hope so.