Mount Zion is where we sing, study, argue, celebrate, and sit with each other in joy and in grief, one of the last places you can walk in without a ticket or an appointment and find community waiting. That kind of place doesn’t sustain itself on its own; it is sustained by all of us, together. Your gift to the L’Chaim 5787 Annual Campaign keeps this makom kadosh (sacred place) warm in its welcome, wide in its embrace, and open to everyone who needs a place to belong. Every gift, no matter the amount, shows gratitude and supports this makom kadosh.
A way to show you care.
Contributing is an active response to gratitude. It is a tangible way to affirm your connection to Mount Zion’s congregation, clergy, fellow members, and staff.
Everyone Can Participate.
Our goal is broad participation. Any gift at literally any level will make a difference.
Mount Zion relies on support from the congregation in the following ways:
Dues – our annual commitment
In accordance with our congregation values, Mount Zion uses the Fair Share model where all member households give according to their ability and are asked to renew their commitment every year. Dues and event fees cover roughly 50% of our annual budget.
Annual Campaign – our free will offering
All gifts to the Annual Campaign go toward Mount Zion’s essential needs in our annual budget, that support initiatives in Jewish education, cultivating life-long connections, innovative worship services, the pursuit of social justice, and meeting our strategic plan objectives. It’s the community’s way to uplift and support the work of the congregation.
Major Gifts – impacting community life
There are opportunities to make an impact and support the temple’s greatest needs ranging from security, to building and grounds restoration, and strategic initiatives. Major gifts can be a meaningful way to honor loved ones and help sustain the temple for generations to come.
Legacy Circle – support our spiritual home for future generations
By including Mount Zion in your estate plans, you can preserve your values and help secure the future of our congregation. There are many ways to contribute, such as providing a specific dollar amount or asset as a bequest, naming Mount Zion as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, or designating Mount Zion as the beneficiary of all or part of your qualified retirement plan (IRAs, 401Ks).
Endowment – our foundation for the future
Endowment functions financially much like the building’s concrete foundation: It is largely hidden yet provides the unshakeable base upon which everything that takes place in the building depends. Mount Zion’s endowment fund provides permanent resources for the congregation. We can draw on interest from the Endowment that plays a critical role in our annual budget, address emergent opportunities, and unforeseeable contingencies. Gifts to increase our endowment are always encouraged.
What does the Annual Campaign support?
All gifts to the Annual Campaign go toward the Mount Zion operating budget, including initiatives in Jewish education, cultivating life-long connections, innovative worship services, festivals and community celebrations, the pursuit of social justice, and meeting strategic plan objectives.
Do dues and fees cover Mount Zion expenses?
No. Dues and fees cover only a portion of the operating expenses at Mount Zion.We are also fortunate to have a healthy endowment that covers many expenses. But it is due in large part to the Annual Campaign that we are able to balance the budget.This addition has brought our congregational giving on par with other congregations around the country.
Can I contribute stock or include Mount Zion in my estate plan?
Yes! Just call the Temple office at 651-698-3881. For more details about estate plan, read about our Life and Legacy program.
What if I have other questions about the Annual Campaign?
We’d be happy to discuss it with you. Please contact Kate Tucker Sicher, Executive Director, 651-698-3881.
