Meet the Board: Ahitza Gonzalez, VP of Social Action

2- What do you hope to accomplish in your role as VP of Social Action?
I hope  to  motivate   congregants   to   participate  in  any activities  that  involve  supporting  each  other.  It is  about that we are here, because we have been together on this journey. Every journey is different, but we have something in common that makes us part of KI.I would like to encourage a strong group of volunteers to support activities like Family Table and supporting elders, orphans, immigrants and refugees. Together we can build a strong relationship where we know each other, not only as people who go to the services together, but as people who are really part of each other’s lives. We can   make a call   and   speak   with  someone  who  needed  to  talk  with someone,  visit a friend that needed a hand cleaning the house  or  doing   something. We are a  strong community supporting each other and those we need. I think   right   now   we   need   each   other   more   than  ever, because  we   know   what   we   are   suffering   as   Jewish people. There are so many things to do in this world that we can show our face to the community, and spread Hesed as a way to share with others.

3- How would you encourage fellow KI members to take on a leadership role?
I encourage you to be part of it in many ways: donations, a phone call, giving someone a ride, sharing a coffee, learning another language, making cards for the people in Israel, and making a Shiva visit. I just came here five years ago, but I feel that I have friends, very good friends, and that is because I have been welcomed by the KI community.

4- Tell us about your favorite Jewish holiday?
My favorite holiday is Hanukkah. I believe in the miracles that happen to us. During Hanukkah, I enjoy dancing and celebrating every day. I used to be creative when I was in Venezuela and make my own candle holders. Since being in Boston, I always look for beautiful candles, and when I see the lights, I  imagine how the candle  survived at that time. I ask myself  how we could be like the Maccabees today and wish that we see the light every day in our lives. We can create good things to bring more light to  the world.

Want to get involved  with KI and lift up our community? Email Ahitza at socialaction@congki.org today.