Our culture of giving sustains our community and values
Maintaining a vibrant, relevant Sherith Israel today and for future generations requires a deep commitment from us all. Our culture of giving recognizes that our synagogue prospers when each of us chooses to make it a priority. We find many ways—beyond our annual membership commitment—to provide the financial support Sherith Israel needs to meet our community’s needs and obligations.
2024 Annual Fund
Please consider making a donation to our Annual Fund. As with most congregations, membership contributions only cover about 50% of the total cost of running our synagogue. Your Annual Fund gift helps bridge the gap. We couldn’t do it without you!
Give from your IRA
Over 70½ years old? You can make a difference today and save on taxes. It is possible--when you support Congregation Sherith Israel through your IRA. Click here for more information.
General Fund
Adult Education Fund
Sponsor an Oneg
Support Hamotzi/Chicken
Soupers
Synagogue Music Fund
Rabbi Jessica Zimmerman Graf's Discretionary Fund
Rabbi George Altshuler's Discretionary Fund
Rabbi Martin S. WeinerMemorial Education Fund
Social Action Fund
Preschool Scholarship Fund
Perpetual memorials: Remembering our loved ones
Donate
By creating a perpetual memorial or honoring a loved one on our Tree of Life, you ensure that their memory will become a lasting part of Sherith Israel.
Perpetual Memorial: Your gift of $500 or more guarantees that your loved one’s name will be included in our Shabbat leaflet and read before Kaddish by the rabbi each week for a year. Your loved one will also be honored in the Perpetual Memorial section of our Memorial Book placed in the ark during Yom Kippur Yizkor (memorial) service.
Tree of Life/Tree of Honor: Our Tree of Life Room, immediately off our entry foyer, features two contemporary trees by artist Helen Burke. A symbol of our people’s continuity, the Tree of Life also provides a special way to commemorate a dear one who has passed away or to celebrate a simcha in the life of a family member or friend. Each of the bronze leaves can be inscribed with the name of a loved one for a contribution of $600.
You can establish a Perpetual Memorial and purchase a leaf on the Tree of Life for a combined one-time gift of $950.
Please contact Zack Migdail, membership manager, at zmigdail@sherithisrael.org or
415.346.1720, x117 for more information.
Legacy Circle: Planned Giving
Our Legacy Circle program strengthens our community for future generations
Sherith Israel embraces the ancient Jewish tradition of building l’dor va’dor—from generation to generation. The Legacy Circle includes the members of the Sherith Israel community who have made a planned gift to the congregation through a will, life-income or other deferred gift.
Joining our Legacy Circle by including Sherith Israel in your estate plan will enable our congregation to continue to provide a vital and vibrant community for San Francisco Jews and their families for generations to come. Sherith Israel is a nonprofit religious institution and can be designated as such in your bequest. Talk to your estate planner or Please contact Kaia Burkett, executive director, at execdir@sherithisrael.org or 415.346.1720, x125 for more information.
When you designate Sherith Israel in your estate plan, please let us know so we can welcome you into our Legacy Circle. Click here to sign up or get more information.
Give from your IRA
Over 70-1/2 years old? You can make a difference today and save on taxes. It is possible when you support Congregation Sherith Israel through your IRA. Click here for more information.
Stock Donations
Please contact Denice Asazawa, bookkeeper.