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Tzedakah

            Commonly translated from the Hebrew as “charity,” Tzedakah is not considered an option in our sacred text, commentary, and practice – it is an obligation, an expectation of every Jew.  Each of us is called upon to give, in accordance with our capacity, but to give something to sustain our community and to help those in need. The root of the word, tzedek, means “justice.” Judaism looks upon giving as right action, as just and fair.   
 
In the wilderness, under God’s decree and Moses’ direction, each Israelite enrolled with a commitment of half a shekel – a model of our congregational membership dues. And then our ancestors were further directed to make a gift as their heart moved them.  Each one giving, each one helping to build the tabernacle that would reflect their commitment, individuals bound to each other in a sacred community, all joining to make a holy place in their lives.    
 
It is a signature commitment of this congregation to warmly welcome those who wish to join us, to share our blessings, to support Israel, to help those in need in the broader community and around the world. We organize and perform acts of kindness, gemilut chasadim, help repair the world. We make a holy place for worship, learning and community. And we make all this possible through tzedakah, financial support.    
 
Beyond dues and fees, we each give to the Annual Appeal, to designated funds and endowments; we participate in fund raising events, and planned giving. We make gifts to honor special people and occasions, and to most meaningfully memorialize loved ones. All these reflect Jewish custom and ideals, and such gifts are needed to sustain a vibrant center for Judaism.
 
Consider the gifts that you may bring to make this holy place. You may use the handy CONTRIBUTION FORM, or contact the office to discuss other special options.

Ann Targownik
Director of Development
 
 


“And these are the gifts you shall accept…” 

                                                  Exodus 25:3

TZEDAKAH … an opportunity for giving, an obligation of our Tradition.
 
Temple life and the quality and depth of its programs
depend on generous donations from members and friends. 
Contributions made in honor of a special person or occasion,
or in memory of a loved one, are lasting and meaningful tributes -
the most precious gifts of all. 
 
For Shaaray Tefila, our House of Community (Beit Knesset) …
GENERAL FUND helps address the diverse needs of the synagogue.
TREASURER'S FUND enables the congregation to wholeheartedly welcome all,
                regardless of financial status.
CLERGY DISCRETIONARY FUNDS enable our clergy to support diverse, worthy purposes.

For Shaaray Tefila, our House of Prayer (Beit Tefila) …
SHABBAT ONEG (delight) FUND enhances our Shabbat experience with refreshments. 
Donors of $360 or more will be recognized as Oneg sponsors in the Shabbat handout.
You may select any Friday evening (other than Kol Nidre!)
PRAYER BOOK FUND supports our worship & observance experiences. 
                Contributions of $36 or more are acknowledged on a beautiful bookplate. 
                You may honor a special person or occasion or memorialize a loved one.

For Shaaray Tefila, our House of Study (Beit Midrash) …
Debbie Shalita Marmour Nursery School Endowment enables Nursery School scholarships.
Nursery School Scholarship & Teacher Enrichment Fund enables scholarships & faculty development.
Stephen I. Morse Scholarship Fund supplements Religious School fees.
Rattner Arts & Crafts Fund supports Religious School art programs.
Sally & Ernest Pinter Youth Endowmentassists participants in Youth Group programs.
Saxl Educational Resource Fund provides teacher resource materials.
Lonnie Weissman Children’s Library Fund supports the Temple’s children’s library.
Eleanor Voss Library Fund supports the Temple’s adult library.
Milton Fox Memorial Fund sustains the Temple Shaaray Tefila Rare Book Library & Museum.

For Shaaray Tefila, our Home for All Generations …
FUND for THE FUTURE receives legacies/bequests & significant contributions to our Endowment. 
MUSIC FUND enhances music programming at the synagogue for all generations.
JENNIFER BETH ASCH FUND supports special projects, especially related to children.
RABBI BERNARD J. BAMBERGER FUND provides Confirmation Class gifts.
JILL & CHARLES NECHEMIAS ISRAEL FUND enhances our connection to Israel.
CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND assists children in attending Reform Jewish camps & Israel programs.

For Shaaray Tefila, our Home for Acts of Lovingkindness
     & Social Justice (Gemilut Chasadim) …
Gabor Kaley Holocaust Remembrance Education Fund supports Holocaust studies.
Madeleine & Julian Wallerstein Kesher Fund fosters connections to isolated elderly in our community.
Soup Kitchen Fund supports the weekly Soup Kitchen, Sandwich Saturday 
        & other assistance to those in need.

Contributions may be made in cash, check, securities transfer
or American Express, Visa, or MasterCard ($36. min. on charge card).

Donors are acknowledged in the monthly Messenger and annual Perspectives,
or you may elect to remain anonymous.
Sanctuary Memorial Plaques may be arranged through the temple office.

Please remember Shaaray Tefila in your will.

or contact Ann Targownik, Director of Development
to discuss enhanced dues, bequest, program sponsorship, and other giving opportunities
(212) 535 8008 ext. 271 or development@tstnyc.org