General Fund ~This is also referred to as “where it is needed most”. Gifts to this fund are unallocated meaning they can be used anywhere at any time for any reason. This fund is incredibly helpful when unexpected needs arise or when great ideas happen that need money to turn into a reality. This fund directly benefits every single member and members of the greater Jewish community.
Community Events & Experiences (Sisterhood, Men’s Club, Membership, Temple Programming, etc.) ~ This fund supports diverse needs across all demographics. From bringing in guest speakers and unique programs, to welcoming new members, to hosting social gatherings like Tuesday Schmoozeday, Monday Movies, or the annual Hanukkah social along with Shabbat dinners, and supporting fundraisers like our Yom HaShoah Yellow Candle project. This fund allows for creative opportunities to gather throughout the year.
Education (Adult & Youth) ~ This fund supports our goal of offering lifelong learning at Temple Sinai. Gifts to this fund help provide support for emerging programs like our Temple Tots group which brings parents and children together to build a community. It provides access to virtual programs covering diverse Jewish topics. It supplements field trips for our religious school students to learn by experiencing Jewish life and history in their community. Gifts to this fund allow Temple Sinai to provide continual learning at no or very low cost for Temple members either in a virtual only setting or in person.
Facilities ~ It is no secret that our beautiful building continues to age. This fund supplements our building fund which handles both planned and unplanned maintenance. Gifts to this fund go directly towards upkeep and beautification of our sacred space. This fund also supports continual upgrades to areas like our sanctuary’s camera and sound technology. While not the most flashy fund, there is always a need.
Music ~ It can be said that music is the heartbeat of Temple Sinai. Gifts and support to our music fund allow Cantor Lipton to bring music to the forefront of our Jewish lives in so many ways. By bringing in talented guest musicians and speakers, to purchasing music to energize our services and our choirs, to leading the charge for creative nights of music & art for everyone.
NUTSY Youth Group ~ This group of Temple youth are active and engaged and support is needed to continue this important program which allows kids to be themselves, to develop as leaders, and to develop a strong sense of Jewish identity, all while having lots of fun and hands-on learning. Gifts to this fund support field trips, fun social activities (and snacks!), social action service projects, leadership development, and continued learning (often in conjunction with JTConnect).
Rabbi’s Discretionary ~ This fund allows Rabbi Bennett full discretion to support members, the needs of Temple Sinai, our greater Jewish community, and charitable organizations. All funds are distributed in a confidential manner.
Ritual & Holiday ~ This fund, like our facilities fund is not flashy but is truly important for supporting our weekly and yearly ritual and holiday needs. Gifts given to this fund allow Temple Sinai to provide weekly onegs following Shabbat service or after holiday services like Sukkot and Simchat Torah, ensuring nourishment to bodies following spiritual nourishment. It allows for purchasing new prayer books and making sure there are always ritual items like shabbat and Havdalah candles. This fund subsidizes our annual community Passover Seder ensuring there is a seat for everyone at our table regardless of someone’s ability to pay. This fund also allows us to continue the tradition of inviting our greater community to attend our High Holyday family services at no cost.
Social Action ~ Tikkun olam is our sacred duty and honor as Jewish people. Gifts to this fund allows Temple Sinai to act. Whether by purchasing items and services needed to assist the environment. Or by actively participating in the Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance which develops and organizes leaders in neighborhood-based and multi-faith alliances to build power and act collectively for systemic change toward social, racial, and economic justice. Or by regularly supporting our food insecure neighbors in need. Every dollar given to this fund leads to important social action and justice on behalf of Temple Sinai.