@Avira
I did not mention money or wealth in my comment.
The CTL compound came into existence out of necessity. Living OOT in a small town, building homes on land carved from our initial larger parcel allowed us to have a minyan in walking distance, a private eruv and a safe haven for our children and grandchildren each summer. It cost substantially less than housing and camp costs in NYC and its suburbs.
I have repeatedly talked about doing much of the building ourselves, and still do lots of the tasks. We had 3.5 inches of snow last night and I was out with a shovel clearing the walks and driveway so I could go to minyan in time for 6:30 davening today. I wasn’t waiting on a plow service to arrive.
As for what do we do besides give charity. Lots of volunteering in both the Jewish and community world. My daughters and granddaughters did their stints babysitting at shul and setting up the weekly kiddush and Oneg Shabbos. They also helped Mrs. CTL OBM cook many a shul dinner and deliver shiva meals. Our sons have taught afternoon Civics ad History classes (at no charge) in the local day school.
For twenty-five years, I have run three times a year Blood drives for the American Red Cross. They are the only organization allowed to collect blood in Connecticut (you can’t go to a hospital and donate) AND, Connecticut is the ONLY state in the USA where blood is free for those who need it. Mrs. CTL needed 18 units in her final hospital stay and I am proud to have helped make sure ample blood supplies are available.
BUT>>>>>>>>>>>>what is wrong with donating money??????????????
Shuls, schools, hospitals need donations to keep operating. So do soup kitchens, food banks, etc. Both here and abroad, especially EY.
I am not a doctor, I can’t treat you when you enter a hospital, BUT that Xray machine in Laniado may be one that I paid for. The local Rosh Yeshiva who is having a hard time meeting payroll or utility bills is not shy to call and request money over and above my annual contribution and I am proud to be able to help. There is little I need personally at this stage of life. All of a lifetime’s earnings and investments and generational wealth could not keep Mrs. CTL alive. Only KBH determined when her time on earth was up.
What I can tell you is that with the exception of Yahrzeit placques you will never find the CTL name on anything that recognizes a contribution or donation.
My father Z”L and grandfather Z”L taught us that it is in very poor taste to let people know what you give and even worse to make someone feel embarrassed that they can not give a similar amount or at all.
I remember from the time I was a child that presents were never opened in public. If attending a birthday party, my mother would take us from the room if presents were opened in front of others.
I don’t owe you an explanation, but your attack called for a reply