As numerous avenues to contribute financially to our synagogue have emerged over recent years, the Board of Trustees deemed it appropriate to streamline and to clarify the various opportunities. Indeed, many members have asked for assistance in directing contributions to commemorate a family simchah, to remember a loved one, to honor or thank someone, to pass along good wishes, or to respond to any urge to share their good fortune with the synagogue community. The purpose of this document is not to solicit your contributions, but rather to enumerate and describe the multiple means of supporting our Jewish Community at Beth Haverim Shir Shalom when you choose to contribute throughout the year.

Giving opportunities can be divided between those that are directly governed by the synagogue (via the Board), and those that are administered by individuals and organizations affiliated with the synagogue, but are not directly overseen by the Board. Within each of these broad categories, several distinct opportunities exist:

A. Governed by the Temple

1. Building Related

(a) Kehilah Campaign
(b) Building Fund (voluntary)
(c) Brick Fund
(d) "Wish List" of Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment
(e) Robbie Kriser Fund

2. Program Related

(a) Life Fund
(b) Tree of Life
(c) Yahrzeit Tablets
(d) Eternal Lights
(e) High Holy Day Appeal
(f) Sustaining Membership

B. Governed by Affiliated Individuals and Organizations

1. Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
2. Cantor's Discretionary Fund
3. Barbara Weiss Scholarship Fund
4. Michelle Mitzvah Group Fund

Click here to print out a Contribution page that can be filled out and sent in

A short description of each of these opportunities follows below. (Any contribution made without specification of its purpose will be used for the general operating needs of the Temple.)

A. Governed by the Temple

1. Building Related. Monies raised are designated for expansion of our building, substantial renovations and improvements, as well as the furnishing and beautification of our facilities.

  1. Kehilah Campaign: Launched in 1999, over $1,500,000 has been raised toward our expansion. The campaign will continue to seek contributions of all sizes as we strive to reduce our outstanding debt and lessen the interest expense component of our annual budget. Pledges are typically paid over five years. All donors have been recognized on a donor wall in the synagogue lobby, with dedication opportunities available.
  2. Building Fund (voluntary): Distinct from the mandatory building fund all members must pay during their early years of membership, additional contributions of any amount are welcome and are used to support our building and premises.
  3. Brick Fund: Historically a very popular means to pass along good wishes, to honor a person, or to express condolences. Contributions must be $5 or more and are listed in Temple Topics.
  4. "Wish List" of Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment: There are many items we desire to furnish and beautify our synagogue and its surroundings. An example would be furnishings and equipment for the Rabbi Milton Weinberg Memorial Library. A full listing of these items is available from the synagogue office.
    Click here for the current list
  5. Robbie Kriser Fund: Created in memory of a child of a synagogue member, monies contributed to this fund have been used to purchase the beautiful menorot mounted in our sanctuary, and will be used for similar purposes in the future.

2. Program Related. These monies will be used to support our principal operations and the broad range of programs we offer to our members and community. As our Temple dues cover only a portion of our annual expense budget, contributions here are vital to the ongoing operation of our synagogue.

  1. Life Fund: Several funds that existed historically have been combined into this single fund. All monies contributed are allocated by the Board annually through its budgeting process to support areas such as ritual, adult education, music, youth, social awareness and action, membership development and outreach, and other synagogue operations. Contributing to the Life Fund is an excellent way to recognize the accomplishments of our various committees and to support their programming. Minimum contribution of $18. All contributions are acknowledged in Temple Topics.
  2. Tree of Life: Place a leaf on the Tree of Life in the Temple lobby and select your own ("in honor of...") wording. Minimum contribution of $100.
  3. Yahrzeit Tablet: Place a tablet on our Yahrzeit Board in memory of a loved one. Minimum contribution of $360 for a single plaque, $300 each for multiple plaques bought simultaneously.
  4. Eternal Lights: An annual dinner at a cost of $1,000 per couple, this major fund raiser has provided over $20,000 toward our budget shortfall for several years running. All contributors are acknowledged in Temple Topics.
  5. High Holy Day Appeal: A very traditional event in most congregations, all members are encouraged to give from their heart during these most joyous and solemn days of our Jewish calendar. A formal appeal is made from the bimah by our Temple leaders, and contribution cards are provided to all members.
  6. Sustaining Membership: Almost a tradition, for the past several years, many members have voluntarily included an additional $250 with their annual dues payment, and have been acknowledged in Temple Topics.

B. Governed by Affiliated Individuals and Organizations

  1. Rabbi's Discretionary Fund. As an expression of gratitude to our Rabbi, or for any reason, you may contribute directly to the Rabbi's Discretionary Fund. While the actual use of these funds is determined solely by the rabbi, he has made his interest known to fund a range of charitable programs, including supporting youth education and Jewish camping.
  2. Cantor's Discretionary Fund. As an expression of gratitude to our cantor, or for any reason, you may contribute directly to the Cantor's Discretionary Fund. While the actual use of these funds is determined solely by the Cantor, he has made his interest known for supporting the expansion of musical programming at Beth Haverim Shir Shalom.
  3. Barbara Weiss Scholarship Fund. Founded and administered by Sisterhood in memory of a beloved member, Rabbi assists Sisterhood in directing these funds toward youth scholarships.
  4. Michelle Mitzvah Fund. Dating back many years, in memory of a child of a synagogue member, these monies are administered by the Michelle Mitzvah Group for the many social action programs it supports.

Click here
to print out a Contribution page that can be filled out and sent in

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