A gift to Central Synagogue’s Clergy Discretionary Fund in honor of a specific clergy member is a meaningful way to recognize any one of our rabbis or cantors for their guidance and support through life cycle moments, whether joyous or sorrowful. Gifts to this fund are allocated for clergy to use at their discretion for charitable and religious purposes.

The Yom Kippur Appeal is our annual fundraising campaign and Central’s main source of operating support beyond membership dues and tuition. Gifts to YKA enable us to continue responding with innovation to our community’s needs while adhering to our financial principles and goals. It is only through the generosity of our members that we are able to achieve our mission of transforming the way people experience Jewish life.

For centuries, traditional Jewish custom has included the idea of giving tzedakah in memory of our loved ones who have died. This is a practice still observed by some and not a required mitzvah. If it is meaningful to you personally, you are welcome to make a voluntary donation to our Yahrzeit Fund in memory of your loved one. Gifts to the Yahrzeit Fund will support Central’s general operating budget.

Central’s Adult Engagement Program includes a wide array of lectures, classes, seminars, study sessions, and more, all of which inspire our members to cultivate relationships and explore Jewish religion and culture.

The General Fund provides vital support and helps us to run our vast array of programs, maintain our magnificent sanctuary and other facilities, and create beautiful worship services, all while ensuring Central’s legacy for generations to come.

As part of a longstanding Jewish tradition, Central Synagogue hosts an Oneg Shabbat (a celebration of Shabbat) following every Friday night service to allow the greater synagogue community to come together and honor congregational simchot. If your family is recognizing a special event – such as a bar or bat mitzvah, baby naming, or aufruf – sponsoring the Oneg Shabbat is a lovely way of including the entire Central community in your family’s joy.

Central’s twice-weekly Breakfast Program responds to the homeless and hungry problem in our neighborhood by providing a hot breakfast and bagged lunch to guests. Volunteers come together every Thursday and Friday morning in our Community House to prepare and serve meals to guests, many of whom rely on this warm, nutritious start to their days.

The Center for Exploring Judaism, led by Rabbi Lisa Rubin, is a vital resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Judaism or is contemplating a Jewish life. Through lasting relationships with our caring and encouraging staff and an enriching curriculum, the Center has a meaningful influence on the religious lives of individuals, couples, and families.

Music is an integral element of the Reform Jewish experience and plays a highly significant role in the life of Central Synagogue. The beautiful music featured in Central’s religious services lifts our prayers, inspires our learning, and gives expression to our emotions.

The Mildred Ross Nursery School Fund supports the May Family Nursery School’s efforts to provide a nurturing environment that fosters a love of learning, a joy of gathering, and a sense of pride in Jewish traditions and values in our youngest children. The Ross Fund also underwrites financial aid for some of our families.

The Linda and Harvey Newman Religious School Scholarship Fund helps us ensure that Central Synagogue’s Lese Center for Living Judaism (LCLJ) continues to provide our children with experiences that will enhance their spiritual, social, and intellectual connections to Judaism, regardless of their family’s economic circumstances.

 Yom Kippur Appeal Circles of Giving

 

Pillars	$100,000+
Guarantors	$75,000 - $99,999
Guardians	$50,000 - $74,999
Sustainers	$36,000 - $49,999
Benefactors	$25,000 - $35,999
Visionaries	$18,000 - $24,999
Leadership Circle	$10,000 - $17,999
Anchors	$7,500 - $9,999
Supporters	$5,000 - $7,499
President's Club	$2,500 - $4,999
Patrons	$1,000 - $2,499
Contributors	$500 - $999
Friends	$499 and below