Charity is a fundamental part of the Torah way of life: “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. But 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. Giving to the poor is an obligation in Judaism, a duty that cannot be forsaken even by those who are themselves in need.
Do you know you can target your tzedakah to benefit a dedicated use at Temple Beth Emet:
- General Temple Operations
- Shabbat-Oneg
- Yahrzeits
- Religious School Student Scholarships
- Religious School Programs
- Adult Education Programs
- Youth/Teen Programs
- Technology
- Building Maintenance
- Rabbi Discretionary Fund
Contact Treasurer Beth Rosen at treasurer@templebethemet.com to make a tax-deductible donation.
The Charitable IRA Rollover Is Back
President Obama signed legislation extending the charitable IRA rollover for 2010 and 2011. This allows individuals 70½ or older to make tax-free gifts of up to $100,000 to qualified charitable organizations, like Temple Beth Emet, using funds transferred directly from their IRAs. While the deadline for the 2010 tax year was January 31, 2011, you can make a contribution through December 31, 2011 for the current tax year.
Your Benefits: If you don’t need the annual amount you are required to take from your IRA when you turn 70½, you can transfer your upcoming required minimum distribution to support your favorite cause and avoid the income tax on these funds. You will make an immediate impact on Temple Beth Emet, allowing you to witness the benefits of your generosity.
An Example of How It Works: Miriam, aged 73, has $200,000 in an IRA. Miriam made a $20,000 pledge to a charity. She had the choice of giving cash or other assets to fulfill the pledge, but now Miriam has another option to fund her gift.
If Miriam transfers $20,000 from her IRA on or before Dec. 31, 2011, she avoids paying income tax on $20,000 for 2011. (She will not, however, be able to use it as a charitable deduction.) The renewed charitable IRA rollover gives her an easy and convenient way to benefit her favorite charity without tax complications.
Your tax or estate planning attorney will also be a great help to you.
August Yahrzeit Donations
Harriet and Joel Feinstein in loving memory of Ruth Feinstein
Bill Frischman in loving memory of father Joseph Frischman
Gary Goldsmith in loving memory of Edward Goldsmith
Peter Golper in loving memory of Barbara Golper
Jane, Alan and Matt Lewis in loving memory of Chuck Berman
Phyllis Mehlman in loving memory of Nathan Mehlman
Andrew Merrill in loving memory of Sylvia Aronson
Monica Pink in loving memory of aunt Paula Leyser
Adrienne Zahler in loving memory of father Theodore (Ted) Zahler and Uncle Jesse Alexander
Rabbi’s Fund
The Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund is to be used at the discretion of the Rabbi to support those in need and the needs of the congregation and the community.
General Fund
Temple Beth Emet’s goal is to honor the donors’ contribution designations (i.e., adult education, library, prayer books, religious school, etc.). There may be occasions, however, when the Temple Board determines that donated funds may best serve the Temple when used for other than the designated purpose.
