The “silent” phase of our 150th anniversary endowment campaign has ended, and we have raised more than $5,700,000 toward our $10 million goal!

· One hundred percent of our Board of Directors has collectively committed more than $2,625,000, some at the highest levels they have ever given to Rodef Shalom Congregation.

· Overall, 78 individuals and foundations have made gifts, among which are two seven-figure and 11 six-figure gifts!

· Campaign Co-Chairs Sidney Busis and Ann Roth are leading a campaign cabinet that includes members Rabbi Aaron Bisno, Dan Brandeis, Bart Cowan, Jeff Herzog, Lois Michaels, Claralyn Phillips, Anne Molloy, Sandy Rosen, Dick Simon, Don Simon, Susie Wolf, and Minda Quickel.

· More than 30 volunteers have received solicitation training and are in the process of meeting with congregants to discuss the campaign and their financial involvement. (We always need more help! Training is fun, free, and carries no obligation!)

As has every generation that preceded us, we are committed to passing on our heritage to future generations and to sustaining our magnificent congregation. Just as it is wonderful to celebrate our 150th anniversary and recognize the many contributions that previous members have made to establish and build Rodef Shalom, it is likewise our responsibility to look ahead toward our next 150 years and focus on the growing and complex needs of our members.

The demographics of our congregation are changing and balancing as we have welcomed 120 new members over the past several years. A full fifty percent of these new members are under the age of fifty. We are vibrant, healthy, and growing younger. Yet, like many institutions, we are faced with operating costs that continue to rise. Simultaneously, our pre-school and religious school enrollments are growing and our members have continuing enthusiasm for more services and programs. Likewise, our rabbis are eager to do more and to reach out to those in need.

We are not alone in facing this challenge. As many not-for-profit organizations in our region and across the country have concluded, endowment is the only way for us to meet our needs today and to secure Temple’s future for generations to come. This endowment will provide a perpetual source of income for the congregation while reducing the pressure to raise dues above a basic cost-of-living adjustment.

We are nearly sixty percent toward achieving the goal and working hard to reach it. Over the next few months you will hear more about our Endowment Campaign. We will be talking about it at every opportunity. We will use Hakesher to answer some of the questions you ask most often.

We ask only that when one of our volunteers calls, you give him or her a fair hearing and a timely response. Your thoughtful consideration of this campaign is needed to bring it to a successful conclusion, ensuring the future of Rodef Shalom. This is a job that only we can do!