Rodef Sholom: A Reform Jewish Congregation in Marin County, California

Jewish Community Federation (JCF) San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties The Jewish Community Federation Catalyst Initiative has awarded Congregation Rodef Sholom a grant in the amount of $20,500 to sustain religious school scholarships. JCF works to care for the vulnerable, educate and engage the Jewish community, and promote Israel and Jewish peoplehood around the world. For more information, visit www.sfjcf.org.

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Please join Howard Rachelson, Marin's master of trivia, for an evening of competition, entertainment, and maybe even enlightenment! Form your own team (limit 8 people) or just show up and join one. Your $20 ticket includes desserts, coffee, and your first glass of wine, and all proceeds benefit Rodef Sholom's religious school and adult education programs. Reservations are required by February 15. This event will take place in our social hall, and is sponsored by the Women of Rodef Sholom. Contact Suzanne Waterman at 721.7377 with any questions.

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By some definitions, a mitzvah is a charitable act or good deed. According to some, it’s a commandment or the fulfillment of Jewish law.  But the most telling explanation is that a person’s own definition of mitzvah is a key indicator of what type of Jew that person is.

Mark and Carole Friedlander define “mitzvah” as an obligation, as the right thing to do.  And put simply, that was the reason behind their decision to include Rodef Sholom in their planned giving.

Carole and Mark are long-time members of the congregation, having joined in 1972 when they moved from Rochester, New York.  They and their family have celebrated every life cycle as part of Rodef Sholom, from their children’s b’nai mitzvah to confirmations, weddings and funerals.   They have contributed actively, giving their time and resources in many ways.  Carole, a former teacher and active volunteer, was president of Sisterhood and the temple Board of Directors, and was part of many important steps in financial long-range planning.  Mark was also a member of the Board and was significantly involved in initiating the Endowment Fund.

So it was only natural for them to include Rodef Sholom in their own planned giving--without being asked.  Mark, a retired CPA, fully understands the need for a steady source of income for the temple.  Says Carole, “We know what it takes to keep Rodef Sholom going and we know personally how important it has been to us over all these years.  We want it to be there for future generations.”

Mark and Carole’s generosity allows Rodef Sholom to continue its enduring holy work as well as provide for new programs in the future.

Please join Mark and Carole and the more than 100 Legacy Circle members by including Rodef Sholom in your planned giving.

To learn more about planned giving, join us for the 2nd Annual Discussion on Estate and Legacy Planning with a special presentation on Ethical Wills led by Rabbi Michael Lezak on Sunday, March 6, 9:30 am-11:15 am in the sanctuary.  A light breakfast will be available in the social hall at 9:00 am.  Please RSVP to Jane at jane@rodefsholom.org or 479.3441.  Thank you.

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The end of the year is a wonderful time for donors to express their thanks.  Some of the reasons why you might make an end-of-year gift:

•You can support a particular project or improvement;
•You can help grow the endowment fund through perpetual support;
•You can memorialize a special individual or event in your family;
•You can create a life-benefit gift, such as a gift annuity or remainder trust that provides a guaranteed lifetime payout to a donor while ultimately supporting the synagogue; and
•You will receive favorable tax advantages from making a year-end gift.

Donations of appreciated stock can be particularly attractive since donors can deduct the full value of the stock yet avoid capital gains taxes; while the synagogue receives the full value of the stock but does not pay capital gains taxes.

On the other hand, if a donor wishes to donate stock that has lost value, the donor should cash out the stock first and then donate the proceeds. This allows the donor to take a tax deduction for the loss and claim a cash donation for the gift.

Please make sure your gifts are postmarked on or before December 31, 2010. If you have questions, please contact Jane Friedman at jane@rodefsholom.org or 479.3441.

Thank you for keeping Rodef Sholom in your thoughts as another year comes to a close. Thank you for your support and best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season!

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Next to Normal is an emotionally intense, yet smart and witty musical that cleverly depicts the “fragmenting effects of mental illness within a family”. This musical won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize and New York’s “The Best of 2009” Musical and there will be a special welcome and discussion immediately following the performance. Tickets are $100, $65 and $50 per person and you can order yours at http://next2normal.eventbrite.com/.  For more information, contact Pamela Brown at the BAJC at 415.750.3436 or pbrown@ioaging.org.  This event is co-sponsored by Rodef Sholom and other Bay Area synagogues.

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