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 the Treasurer at treasurer@templebethemet.com to make a tax-deductible donation.
Your tax or estate planning attorney will also be a great help to you.
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.
Create A Lasting Legacy – Make A Planned Gift To Temple Beth Emet
One of the greatest gifts someone can give is that of a legacy- a gift that will provide for the present and future of their community. Temple Beth Emet offers many options for planned giving that can make a lasting impact and serve as pillars for our congregation’s future.
Bequests
A bequest is a wonderful and easy way to leave a legacy gift to Temple Beth Emet. A specific amount or percentage of your estate is designated in your will or trust to go to Temple Beth Emet. This planned gift will allow Temple Beth Emet to continue its important work for generations to come, while not affecting your current assets. This type of gift will also create a charitable deduction which will reduce estate taxes.
Retirement Accounts
Did you know you can easily designate all or a portion (percentage or dollar amount) of your retirement account to Temple Beth Emet? Well you can, and in the process leave a meaningful gift to your community. This gift allows the donor’s heirs to save on estate taxes, as well as income taxes, upon distribution of the retirement account to the Temple.
Gifts of Stock
For those wishing to make an immediate impact on programs and services at Temple Beth Emet, a gift of appreciated stock is an ideal choice. This gift has two major advantages for the donor, an income tax deduction for the gift, as well as no payment of capital gains on the increase in value of the stock.
Charitable Remainder Trust
In this type of planned gift, the donor would work with his/her attorney to set up a trust. The trust would distribute a specified percentage of income to the donor for a predetermined number of years. The remainder value of the funds in the trust would generate a lifetime charitable deduction for the donor. Funds in the trust upon the donor’s death would be distributed to Temple Beth Emet. These funds would not be subject to estate taxes upon the donor’s death.
Life Insurance
There are two options for planned gifts to Temple Beth Emet involving Life Insurance. The first is naming Beth Emet as a beneficiary on an existing policy. Funds would be distributed tax-free upon the donor’s death to the Temple. Another alternative is to purchase a new policy and donate the policy to Temple Beth Emet. In this case, the donor would receive an income tax deduction for the amount of the policy premiums paid, and the life insurance policy payments would not be taxed upon death.
*Please note, the examples provided above are not meant as legal or tax advice. For information pertaining to your personal circumstances and learn more about planned giving, please contact your own attorney and/or financial advisor.
