14-Year-Old Campaigns to Build Rashi’s Campus

On March 11th, 2014, 10 Adar 5774, Rashi Minkowicz, a 37-year-old mother of eight and Shlucha, passed away suddenly.  She was a co-founder and leader of the Jewish community in the northern Atlanta suburbs of Alpharetta and Johns Creek.

After the funeral, Rashi’s 14-year-old son Mendel launched a drive to build ‘Rashi’s Campus’, a new youth and educational center in their hometown of Alpharetta/Johns Creek.  The center, which will be built at a cost of $4 million, will serve as a memorial for his mother and a place where her legacy can continue to live.

To date 75% of the funds ($3 million dollars) has already been pledged, primarily from the local community.

In honor of her 38th birthday on 16 Av, 5774, August 12, 2014, Rashi’s children, family and community, launched a national campaign to help raise the ‘last mile’ needed to complete the project. The unique campaign called ‘18/18 for Rashi’ seeks to encourage people from across the world that have been moved by her passing, to partner with the building of the campus in her memory, by pledging $18 a month for 18 months.

“I think this campus will make my mother very proud,” says Mendel Minkowicz, “She put so much energy into building our community, and now we will have the place we need to help it continue”

Her husband, Rabbi Hirshy Minkowicz added: “Rashi’s goodness and kindness has impacted thousands of people both during her lifetime, and in the months after her passing.  Now people have a meaningful way to express their inspiration, by supporting the building of her new Campus.”

The goal is for at least 1800 people to pledge $18 a month for 18 months, which will guarantee the building of Rashi’s Campus.  People can pledge as many $18 slots as they wish.  There is also an option for paying in one payment rather than monthly installments.

The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled to coincide with her first Yahrzteit in March, 2015.

To join this campaign visit www.1818forRashi.com.