Giving and Tzedakah

Philanthropic support to Congregation Kol Ami is an easy way to make a big difference and have the benefit of tax savings. Here are some helpful tips that can help make the biggest bang with your buck:

• Review Your Portfolio. With the stock market at a new high, it may be wise to contribute appreciated securities that you have held more than one year, which may allow you to claim a charitable deduction at fair market value and avoid tax on the gain. Conversely, you may retain deductions for capital losses on your tax return by first selling your securities that have depreciated; then contributing the cash proceeds to charity. (If you donate those securities directly, you will not be entitled to take the capital loss.)
• Write a Check to Congregation Kol Ami. Cash is always appreciated! If you are making a year-end donation, make sure your gift is postmarked by December 31 for proper credit.
• Charge Your Credit Card before year-end as the charge date qualifies as the date of the gift.
• Prepay a Pledge, either the entire amount or an upcoming installment.

You can help maintain the religious, education and cultural programs of congregation Kol Ami by making a contribution in honor, or in memory, of a loved one. Donations to Congregation Kol Ami are always greatly appreciated.

• Rabbi's Discretionary Fund: allows the Rabbi to help others, not only our congregants, but those in the community as well.
• Cantor's Discretionary Fund: allows the Cantor to support needs of members of the congregation, along with others in the community.
• Oneg Shabbat: Oneg Sponsor. ($425 annual, $80 per service)
• Flowers for the Bima: for special services. ($175 per service)
• Building Fund: support the building and a few remaining naming opportunities.
• Religious School Fund: gifts help pay the tuition for children who, without financial assistance, could not attend our program.
• Wendy Sukman Fund: provides support and education regarding women's health, especially Breast Cancer.
• Julia Graves-Broidy Religious School Education Fund: provides tuition in part or full for children desiring to receive a Kol Ami education, whose families may not be able to afford that education, established in the memory of Temple member Julia Graves-Broidy.
• Elaine A. Newman Scholarship Fund for Jewish Education: provides Jewish education opportunities for adults, established in memory of Elaine Newman.
• Harvey Weiner Fund: Supports 12 Step programming, established in memory of Temple founder Harvey Weiner who was greatly influenced by the 12 Step program and felt it was an important aspect of his spirituality.
• General Fund: supports the operations of the Synagogue in general.
• Endowment Fund: designed to generate income to augment the support of current members dues and other gifts to ensure the future of Congregation Kol Ami for the decades and generations to come.

Please telephone the Temple office, (323) 606-0996, for further information.