Give

A message from Rabbi Janet Marder:

Why do people give to the synagogue? The tradition goes back more than 3,000 years, to the Israelites’ wandering in the wilderness, when Moses asked the people to bring freewill offerings – “gifts of the heart” — to build the portable Sanctuary where they would seek God’s presence.

The Hebrew word for those offerings is terumah, derived from the root letters resh vav mem, meaning “to lift up.” Embedded in the structure of the Hebrew language is the message that a gift to the sanctuary should elevate the giver, and lift him or her to a higher place. The great medieval commentator Rashi teaches that terumah implies the dedication of a portion of one’s resources to a higher, sacred purpose.

For more than fifty years Congregation Beth Am has been sustained by the freewill offerings of our members. Their heartfelt gifts of time, skill and financial resources have helped to create a place of remarkable physical and spiritual beauty, dedicated to meaningful worship, dynamic Jewish learning and compassionate care through all the seasons of life. Contributing to these sacred purposes is a joy and a blessing for all of us who care about the Jewish future. Every day I see how lives are lifted up by the experience of giving and receiving within our Beth Am community. I am deeply grateful to all the men and women whose generosity shapes this congregation, and whose love and devotion will carry us with strength from generation to generation.

“It is not what one says, but rather what one does, that makes all the difference in the world.”     ~Baba Batra (Talmud)

Making a contribution to one of Beth Am's named or special funds is a meaningful way to honor a person or occasion. You may also honor a loved one by creating a fund in their name to support a designated program or project at Beth Am. These gifts help support our vibrant and enriching congregational community, while helping you achieve your philanthropic goals and bring additional meaning to special moments in your life. See the list of Special Named Funds under Resources on this page. Contributions can be made online or by printing the Donation Form under Resources on this page.

Make an online contribution!

Why Give Now? Tax Incentives

A gift to Congregation Beth Am may entitle you to a charitable contribution deduction against your income tax if you itemize deductions. A contribution made by cash or check is deductible in the year in which it is paid. A credit card contribution is deductible in the year it is charged, even if payment is made in a later year.

Another Way to Donate: Transfers of Stock

There are tax advantages to making a gift to Congregation Beth Am through a transfer of stock. You'll enjoy an immediate tax deduction for the value of the stock transfer, and avoid paying capital gains. You may also reduce your taxable estate by donating stock. Download the instructions under Resources (right side of this page).

How Can You Maximize Your Contribution? Corporate Gift Matching

Does your employer match employee charitable contributions? Many Bay Area companies will match charitable donations dollar-for-dollar. Contact your company's matching gifts coordinator to determine whether your donation to Congregation Beth Am is eligible to be matched.

Download Congregation Beth Am's Federal Tax ID Document.

For more information about making charitable contributions to Congregation Beth Am, please contact Mandy Eisner or (650) 493-4661, ext. 504.