VOS JEWELS Eleanor & Herbert Kraft School for Jewish Education

During a time when many faith-based organizations are struggling to keep their doors open, Valley Outreach Synagogue is counting its blessings as it renames its children’s education program in loving memory of two generous donors. 

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The educational program’s new name, VOS JEWELS Herbert & Eleanor Kraft School for Jewish Education, reflects the late couple’s dedication to VOS and to Jewish education. Herbert Kraft z-l, a beloved synagogue congregant, recently made a generous financial contribution to honor the memory of his wife, Eleanor Kraft z-l.

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Herbert and Eleanor Kraft generously supported education at VOS for many years. VOS Rabbi Ron Li-Paz fondly recalls visiting JEWELS classes with the Krafts and discussing 

their love of children, and their commitment to Jewish education: “Our new name acknowledges these wonderful people and enables our children to continue to grow in a program that they support. The Krafts’ loving generosity means that our future will be even greater than our past.” 

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In 2021/5782, the children’s education program, which serves youth in grades preschool through 6th-grade, begins its B’nai Mitzvah (13th) year, and the legacy of the Krafts will live on through the school’s core mission of fostering strong, positive Jewish identities. We are grateful that Herbert was able to celebrate the new name with us.

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Bonita Kraft, one of Eleanor and Herbert’s four children says, “After my Mom died, my Dad really wanted to continue the legacy that she had started. I enjoy and am honored to be a part of the (VOS JEWELS education) Board and I think the work that they are doing is excellent.”