The Etiquette of Jewish Giving -- Get in the Habit!

You’ve probably noticed a section in the Shofar newsletter called “CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THOUGHTFUL PEOPLE”.  You also probably noticed lots of items in the synagogue with names or plaques marking donations.  Maybe you wonder what all this is about, and why you constantly seem to be getting requests from every direction for more donations, even though you already pay plenty in synagogue dues.

First, we want to thank you for your support of Beth Emeth through your membership dues and your many contributions, both monetary and in hours of volunteerism.  The congregation could not continue to function without your continued support.  We also want to let you know that giving is a very Jewish habit.  Money for Tzedakah (not translated as “charity” but as “justice”) is given out of a sense of obligation to help make the world better. We invite you to use the Jewish Links page on this website to research the religious origins of the obligation to give money to the needy and to other worthy causes, including supporting Jewish life and education through your synagogue.  One interesting example: www.jewfaq.org/tzedakah.htm. 

Jews make donations to mark almost any occasion, happy and sad.  When someone loses a loved one, instead of sending flowers, we express our condolences by make a donation in their memory.  To mark accomplishments or happy occasions, we make a donation. To thank a teacher or a friend who has been helpful, we make a donation in their honor.  Donations are also given to mark our joy and thankfulness for the blessings we enjoy at every holiday season.  It is a Jewish tradition to make donations in multiples of the number “18”, which is the numerical value of the Hebrew word “Chai”, meaning life. 

There are many Tzedakah opportunities at Beth Emeth.  Your contribution may be a general contribution or earmarked for a specific fund.  For either an earmarked/restricted or a general contribution, you may designate the occasion you wish to memorialize.  All donations will be acknowledged in the Shofar, unless you request anonymity.  For any contribution of $18 or more, you may request that an acknowledgement card be sent notifying an individual or family of the donation. Details on the funds and a form are available on the Contributions page.

In recent years, the congregation has asked families to donate $54 (triple “chai”) to co-sponsor an oneg or Kiddush (snack after Friday night or Shabbat morning services) as a way to honor all types of joyous occasions (“simchas”).  This is a lovely way to share your happiness with your community. Here's how to cosponsor an Oneg.

Your larger gifts can be recognized by the permanent placement of a plaque on the Tree of Life wall sculpture in the synagogue lobby, or on the Memorial Board in the sanctuary.  More information about plaques is available on the plaque dedication page.

Your family or your community group can also dedicate one of the beautiful Ascalon stained-glass windows that adorn our lobby and sanctuary.   Please contact Linda Eisinger,  Executive Director for details.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION