When Celebrating Life Cycle Events and/or Remembering a Loved One Jewish tradition teaches that when we are happy, or celebrating with each other, we are to remember to give a donation in gratitude to God for our blessing. Each month in the Bulletin we acknowledge the generous donations of our members who are following this tradition of generosity. Below are listed some opportunities available within the synagogue to meet this need.

To help support Congregation Sha’aray Shalom you may make donations to specific funds that have been established to accomplish specific goals. You may also designate your donation for a particular purpose that you determine. With a minimum donation of $10, your contribution is acknowledged in a lovely note card to the person whom you are honoring if you wish.

• Building Capital Fund: Donations are directly targeted to building expenses.

• Mickey McCarthy Building Maintenance Fund: Fund is used to repair, restore or refurbish any items relating to the building or physical plant.

• Cantor Discretionary Fund: This fund enables the Cantor to enhance musical programs for the congregation as well as provide financial assistance to members and various Jewish institutions.

• General Fund: Fund is used to support general obligations of the Temple.

• Jennifer Sansonnetti Passport to Israel Fund: Fund provides additional assistance to participant in Israel programs.

• Herb Koch Memorial Fund: Fund supports youth educational programs and activities.

• Library Fund: Fund is used to purchase books and other library materials.

• Outreach Fund: Fund supports efforts to welcome new Jews by Choice, interfaith couples, their families and others interested in Judaism.

• Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund: This fund enables the Rabbi to provide financial assistance to various Jewish institutions and organizations. Occasionally, the fund supplement special projects within the congregation or provides financial support to members in need.

• Religious Life: Donations are earmarked for the purchase and repair of ritual objects for our sanctuary, or the support of ritual programming.

• Samuel Snyder Fund for Adult Jewish Growth: Funds may be used for special events or to provide scholarships for adult learning programs.

• Joan Carr School Fund: Provides “seed” money for unbudgeted special programming and items for school.

• Community Social Action Fund: A fund to support activities and causes that promote Tikkum Olam – the repair of the world.

• Youth Scholarship Fund: Fund provides financial assistance to children of our members participating in regional or national youth group events, and summer camps sponsored by the Reform movement.

• Rabbi Joseph’s Special Needs Fund: Fund that provides programs or materials that address the needs of congregational family members with special needs.

Fiddler Tzedakah Box

Each month a different charity is earmarked for funds collected in our Sha’aray Shalom tzedakah box. Many people teach their children of the tradition of donating tzedakah before each Shabbat by giving them money to drop in the Fiddler’s box each week.

Mishkan T’filah

Last  year we celebrated the introduction of the Mishkan T’filah: a Reform Siddur. This was a new prayer book for Reform Jewish congregations, which our synagogue  adopted and uses this year. You are encouraged to donate toward the purchase of these books, which will entitle you to have your name, or a name you choose inscribed in the bookplate of the siddur.        Donation: $50

Etz Hayim

We are in the process of buying enough Bibles for our congregation to use at services. A donation of a Bible is a lovely way to mark a lifecycle event. Names will be inscribed in each Bible you donate.    Donation: $100

Memorial Plaque

When a loved one dies it is Jewish tradition for the remaining loved one to remember them annually at the anniversary of their death (yahrzeit). A Memorial plaque can be placed on the Memorial Board within our sanctuary and help members to keep this tradition as the person’s name is commemorated each year.       Donation: $360

Tree of Life

As you enter our building you are greeted by a beautiful wall sculpture of the Tree of Life, a way to honor, and remember those who are dear to us. A leaf with your special message will be engraved with your donation.    Donation: $1500

Star of David

The Star of David has graced our lobby since the addition to our building was completed.  Your donation will help remember or honor a loved one.        Donation: $3000

Mazon

A Jewish Response to Hunger: Our Board of Trustees has designated our congregation as a synagogue participating in the Mazon program. Families are encouraged to donate three percent of the cost of the food served at celebrations to help meet the needs of the hungry.