"Tzedakah" is the Hebrew word for the acts that we call "charity" in English: giving aid, assistance and money to the poor and needy or to other worthy causes. However, 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 the poor is not viewed as a generous, magnanimous act; it is simply an act of justice and righteousness, the performance of a duty, giving the poor their due.

The High Holiday liturgy states that G-d has inscribed a judgment against all who have sinned, but teshuvah (repentance), tefilah (prayer) and tzedakah can reverse the decree.

Community Synagogue provides many outlets for sharing your time, your skills and your resources. A few examples include:

-- Social Action Programs (e.g. monthly drives for food and other goods, Dinner at Noon)
-- Hesed Committee Activities (e.g. helping sick or grieving congregants)
-- Men's Club Blood Drives
-- Contributions to the capital campaign, the synagogue fund or other funds earmarked for special uses (see Opportunities for Giving, below)
-- Generating contributions to the synagogue through special activities such as shopping online via Benevolink or recycling inkjet and laser cartridges (see Opportunities for Giving, below) 

Community Synagogue regularly receives donations from members and friends; these gifts are recognized in the Community News monthly bulletin.

Synagogue Fund - this fund is not restricted in its use and we use these contributions to support our ongoing operations.

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund - this fund is used by our Rabbi to support causes, programs, and individuals who may need financial support.

Funds whose use is restricted to a specific purpose are:

Supporting Synagogue Programs
Cecele Fraenkel/Adult Education Fund
Caring Community/Hesed Fund
Israel Action Fund
Seniors' Fund
Social Action Fund

Supporting our Youth and Schools
Confirmation Class Trip to Israel
Early Childhood Center Enrichment
Religious School Enrichment
Religious School Special Education

Supporting our Physical Plant
Beautification
Michael Ginsberg/Library
Museum
Stillman Memorial Garden

Others
Christian Rescuers’
Holocaust Memorial
Office
Prayer Book

Contributions should be mailed to the office, along with a note explaining the appropriate fund and the honoree, if any. Thank you.