Other Opportunities to Give
Over the years, our synagogue has established giving opportunities to enable congregants to show their support in special ways (e.g., in honor of a simcha, in memory of a loved one, for a special project). Each contribution, with the exception of those shown below, requires a minimum donation of $5.00, with checks made payable to Sinai Free Synagogue.
For the benefit of new members, as well as those who may have forgotten the genesis and purpose of the various giving opportunities, the following is meant to serve as a brief guide.
Simcha Fund
Contributions to the Simcha Fund allow donors to offer well-wishes to a friend or loved one on a special occasion, such as an anniversary or Bar/Bat Mitzvah. These donations go toward general operating expenses.
Commemorative Fund
The Commemorative Fund is a way to memorialize a friend or family member. These donations also go toward general operations.
Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
Families may choose to donate to the Rabbi's Discretionary Fund in order to mark a special occasion at which Rabbi Barzilai officiated, such as a baby naming. Contributions are directed as the Rabbi chooses, often to help the needy.
Cantor's Discretionary Fund
Donations also may be made to the Cantor's Discretionary Fund. Contributions are used by Cantor Glover to purchase music and other necessities for enhancing our musical experience at services and in our Religious School.
Religious School Scholarship Fund
Your donations to the Religious School Scholarship Fund help to ensure that all of our children will receive a quality Jewish education.
Children's Library
Contributions to the Children's Library Book Fund are used to purchase books for our Religious School library.
Prayer Book Fund
A $10.00 donation to the Prayer Book Fund will result in a book plate being placed in an existing prayer book, while a $25.00 donation goes toward buying a new prayer book for our sanctuary (with, of course, a book plate).
Capital Improvements
Contributions to the Capital Campaign are used for decorating and outfitting our beautiful building. Artwork, furniture, landscaping, signboards, and any other capital purchases are from this fund.
Gladys Gjelsten Remembrance Garden
Your contributions to the Gladys Gjelsten Remembrance Garden are used for the garden's upkeep.
Bert Saperstein Memorial Fund
The Bert Saperstein Memorial Fund is specifically dedicated toward the upkeep of the bimah. The Jeanne Sambor Flower Fund, named in memory of a past administrator, is overseen by Sisterhood, with donations used to purchase flowers for the bimah.
Dr. Herbert Freudenberger/Gail Challop Backer Fund
The Dr. Herbert Freudenberger Fund and the Gail Challop Backer Fund allow donors to honor the memory of Dr. Freudenberger, a long-time congregant and late husband of Arlene, or Gail Challop Backer, late sister of honorary trustee, Dr. Roger Challop.
Rabbi Max Maccoby Memorial Foundation
Donations to the Rabbi Max Maccoby Memorial Foundation, named after the former Free Synagogue of Westchester's first rabbi, are directed by the Foundation toward scholarships for our religious school students. The Foundation also has helped some students travel to Israel, attend a URJ summer camp, and participate in a class trip to the Holocaust Museum.
Custom Full-Color Cards
Custom Made Full-Color Cards for any occasion are individually created and mailed, on your behalf, for a minimum donation of just $10.00 a card. Please click here for more information.
The SFS Sisterhood
Sisterhood tributes, for which there is a $3.00 minimum donation, mark any special occasion. These funds go to Sisterhood programming.