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Tzedakah: Giving to The Temple

Tzedakah literally means justice or righteousness. Giving our time, energy or financial resources for the benefit of others is one of the greatest mitzvahs according to Jewish tradition and law. Interestingly, according to Jewish tradition, philanthropic contributions are an obligation of all, no matter how rich or poor. "If we are only for ourselves, who are we?"

At the Village Temple, all of our members support our community through their dues, tuition and voluntary contributions. Together these financial resources and hundreds of hours of volunteered services make it possible for us to continue and expand our activities: repairing the world, teaching our children, comforting those in need. Your charitable support helps us sustain our sacred community and helps you fulfill your obligation to better this world.

And it's true, contributing to the well being of others is at the center of the Jewish being.

There are many different types of gifts one can make to The Village Temple, and many different occasions for giving.

Gift Categories include:

Gifts to Support Temple Operations

The Tree of Life
This beautiful sculpture in the Sanctuary foyer is ideal for commemorating life cycle events, and Bar/Bat Mitzvah families are bly encouraged to dedicate a leaf in honor of the occasion. The contribution for a leaf is $360; large and small rocks at the base of the tree are also available.

Ongoing General Fund Contributions
Temple members and their families and friends make gifts throughout the year to join their lives with that of The Village Temple community. Whatever the reason, from remembering a relative's birthday to expressing gratitude for an aliyah to mourning the passing of a co-worker - a contribution to the Temple is an appropriate way to mark the occasion with a mitzvah. Gifts are listed in Shalom, and cards are sent to honorees.

High Holiday Pledges
The annual Kol Nidre appeal is an important source of revenue for the Temple and High Holiday pledges are a traditional way for Jews to express their commitment to the survival and vitality of synagogue Judaism in the United States.

Yahrzeit and Commemorative Plaques
Families or individuals wishing to make a permanent public record of loved ones' yahrzeits or to mark major life cycle events may commission plaques on the bronze massifs in the Temple lobby. Standard plaques are $750. Additional sizes upon request.

Sanctuary Plaques
Similar to Yahrzeit plaques, but bearing a permanent home in our beautiful Sanctuary. The donation for an individual seat is $2,500; that for an entire row is $10,000. Other parts of the Sanctuary are also available for dedication.

Gifts for special programs or purposes

Rabbi's Circle
This adjunct to Temple membership dues gives members who can afford more than the minimum dues the opportunity to underwrite the temple's commitment never to turn away those who cannot afford to pay full dues or Religious School Tuition. Membership is $360 per year and is billed with dues.

Campership Funds
Each year the Village Temple is able to underwrite the cost of a Jewish summer camping experience for deserving children in our Religious School. The cost is $1,000 per child. Call the Temple education director, Alex Tanskiy, for more information

Prayer Book and Chumash Fund
Donations to this fund are marked with a nameplate in the book. Donation amounts are $30 for a Siddur or Machzor and $50 for a Chumash.

The Village Temple Soup Kitchen
Each Saturday for the last 20 years, our Soup Kitchen feeds a hot meal to 200 needy guests. Our volunteers prepare and serve food, with table cloths and flowers on the tables.

The Irene Rogen Flower and Oneg Fund
The Sisterhood of the Village Temple provides flowers at High Holy Days and at Shabbat services throughout the year. The fund also pays for the costs of oneg refreshments on Friday nights and Saturday mornings when there is no Bar or Bat Mitzvah scheduled.

Capital and Endowment Gifts

Building Fund
In addition to support of the Building Fund as an obligation of membership, members are encouraged to earmark contributions to the ongoing upkeep and maintenance of the Temple's physical plant.

Ritual Objects Fund
Many of the Temple's ritual objects, are badly in need of repair or replacement. General contributions can be earmarked for this fund, or donors can sponsor specific ritual objects. Call the Temple Office for details.

Capital Contributions
The Temple periodically conducts capital campaigns to support projects such as major renovations or the building of a new Temple. Persons wishing to participate on a leadership level are invited to call one of the Presidents.

Major and Special Gifts
Gifts of Appreciated Securities, Bequests, and Charitable Remainder Trusts make The Village Temple a part of your overall estate and tax plan. For information on how to make a gift of appreciated securities to the Temple, or for assistance in including the Temple in your overall estate or tax plan, please call one of the Presidents or the Vice President for Membership and Development.

Permanent Endowed Funds
Endowing a fund at The Village Temple is a magnificent way to create a permanent impact on the Temple and the Community. Persons interested in this unique form of Tzedakkah should get in touch with the Rabbi or one of the Presidents to discuss how best to bring the endowed fund to reality.