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Giving to the Glen Rock Jewish Center

"A person who runs to do just, good and kind deeds attains life, success and honor."
  ~ Proverbs 21:21

 

"Tzedakah" is the Hebrew word for the acts that we call "charity" in English, but the nature of tzedakah is very different from the idea of charity.

The word "charity" suggests benevolence and generosity, a magnanimous act by the wealthy and powerful for the benefit of the poor and needy.
 
The word "tzedakah" is derived from the Hebrew root Tzade-Dalet-Qof, meaning righteousness, justice or fairness.  In Judaism, giving to worthy causes is not viewed as a generous, magnanimous act; it is simply an act of justice and righteousness, the performance of a duty.
 
If you are observing a yahrzeit, celebrating a simcha or wishing to honor someone special or commemorate an event, making a donation to the GRJC is a wonderful way to honor someone’s memory, accomplishment or simcha.
 
Double Your Donation!
65% of Fortune 500 Companies offer matching gift programs for donations to Qualified Charitable 501(c)3 organizations like GRJC. Many smaller companies match as well. Check with your HR Department to see if your company has a matching program and their requirements to qualify for a match.
 
Below are some of the ways one can fulfill the mitzvah of tzedakah at the GRJC.  (If you do NOT wish to receive an acknowledgment/thank you letter for your donation, please indicate at the time of donation).
 
Security Fund
Supplements the security budget and is a necessary item in our annual budgeting.  Contribute >>
 
General Fund
Supplements the operating budget and is a necessary item in our annual budgeting.  Contribute >>
 
Tree of Life
The Tree of Life is located in the lobby outside the sanctuary.  Inscriptions on the tree are $118 per leaf.  You may purchase a leaf/leaves online HERE.  For questions regarding inscriptions, please contact the office.  Or you prefer to fill out a paper form, you may download our Tree of Life Order Form.
 
Memorial Plaques
GRJC members may purchase Memorial Plaques for those who have passed. Memorial plaques are $360 each.  You may purchase a plaque/plaques online HERE.  Or if you prefer to fill out a paper form, you may download our Memorial Plaque Request Form.
 
Book Dedications
Improve the Shabbat and Holiday service experience by dedicating a prayer book or a Torah book to the GRJC. We primarily use three books during our annual cycle of services.  Each book offers newer translations and accessible notations to enhance our synagogue experience. You can dedicate a Shabbat and Holiday Prayer Book for $36; a Mahzor (High Holiday Prayer Book) for $54; or Chumash (Torah/Haftarah) for $72.  A book dedication is acknowledged by a personalized book plate to honor or remember a loved one or to commemorate a family celebration. Contribute >>
 
Gold Bricks
Gold Bricks are cards that can be purchased in groups of 12 for $54.  You may send them in honor or in memory of a person or occasion.  You may purchase online or contact Ellen Rosenwald at ellenrosenwald@gmail.com.
 
 
RESTRICTED USE FUNDS
Chesed Fund - Supports community members at times of need, such as illness, loss or the birth of a child. Monies in this fund may be used to purchase meals or gifts to assist and support these families. Gehmilat chesed, acts of loving kindness, is one of the foundations upon which Judaism is based. Contribute >>
 
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund - Donations to this fund are used for purposes as determined by the Rabbi, including donations to support individuals and causes that are experiencing need. Monies from this fund may or may not benefit the GRJC directly. Contribute >>
 
Myron Blumenstyk/Hebrew School Fund - Created in memory of Myron Blumenstyk z"l, husband of former Hebrew School Principal Rachel Blumenstyk.  Monies in this fund go towards need-based scholarships for Hebrew School students. Contribute >>
 
Nursery School Fund - Used towards programming and supplies to assist in the operations of the Nursery School. Contribute >>
 
Lothar Stiefel Holocaust Memorial Fund - Created in memory of Lothar Stiefel z"l, husband of Mariana Stiefel.   Lothar served as head of the GRJC School Committee for many years. Monies in this fund are earmarked for educational resources. A portion of this fund was used to start the Holocaust section in the GRJC library, which now includes more than 200 volumes of Holocaust-related material. Contribute >>
 
Rivie Zeiler Fund - Created by Arnie Zeiler z"l in memory of his wife, Rivie Zeiler, z”l. Arnie was a two-time past president of the GRJC Board of Directors, and Rivie was Board Secretary for many years. Monies in this fund are used for beautification projects and capital improvements to the GRJC.  Contribute >>
 
Technology Fund - Established in memory of Stephen Menschel z"l. The fund was established to be used for technology needs at the Glen Rock Jewish Center in honor of Steve's love of and proficiency with technology. Those needs are broadly defined as hardware, software, related equipment and staff requirements to design, deploy or otherwise address technology needs at the GRJC. Contribute >>
 
Kiddush Fund - Provides funding for kiddush luncheons on Saturdays after Shabbat services when the kiddush is not sponsored by a member of the congregation.  If you are interested in sponsoring a kiddush lunch in honor of a special occasion, personal accomplishment or ritual honor, please contact the main office. Contribute >>
 
Gifting Appreciated Securities to GRJC
Appreciated stocks, bonds and mutual funds make a perfect gift to the GRJC. With the stock market at an all-time high, many of you are sitting with assets that make a great gift and are tax efficient, too! The full value of your appreciated asset is tax-deductible (to the extent allowed under the current tax laws) and you can avoid paying tax on the gain.  There are certain conditions (e.g., you must own the asset for more than one year) and limits, so we encourage you to consult your financial/tax advisor to see if this works for you.  If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please contact office@grjc.org for instructions for you and your broker.
 
Donations will be acknowledged in a note to the recipient and in the monthly email listing sent to the GRJC Community.
Mon, March 18 2024 8 Adar II 5784