The world rests on three things, Torah, Worship, and Tzedakah (acts of loving kindness).
—Pirke Avot 1:2

​Membership and Program fees support only a portion of the funds needed to sustain Congregation Shir Shalom. We provide for clergy, religious education and programs to benefit our 100 plus member households and our extended community of friends, guests and visitors who attend programs and activities of special interest. For our congregation to provide high quality, value-based programs (and to keep them affordable to all regardless of economic and cultural circumstances), additional support must come from concerned individuals, corporations and foundations. Investing in Congregation Shir Shalom today will help to insure future generations can grow up in a strong community of Jewish tradition and learning.

Ways to Support our Congregation
Congregation Shir Shalom is very fortunate to have the support, generosity and commitment of its membership. Membership Dues account for 35% of our budget, and we count on various fundraising efforts to compensate for the 65% needed to sustain and build our Congregation. There are many ways that members can contribute and designate to specific CSS funds:

​Operating Funds Include:

• Annual Appeal – unrestricted funds to help sustain core programs and activities.
• “Chai” Sustainer Campaign – designed to help support the basic overhead costs of sustaining CSS. The donation amount is determined by the donor and paid on a monthly basis.
• General Fund – to support recurring operational expenses.
• Hebrew School Fund – supports Hebrew School programs that are not covered by general tuition. 
• Safety and Security Fund – supports programs and projects to enhance security of CSS during services and community events. 

Program Specific Funds:

• Chesed Community Card Sale – these beautiful cards can be purchased as gift/note cards for your personal use, while also providing the funds that allow the Chesed Committee to send acknowledgments to members on various occasions.​

• RaiseRight for Shir Shalom – Gift Card program benefits CSS General Fund. A percentage of the cards purchase value goes to CSS and is applied to the General Fund. Please contact Marjorie Nydell (marjorienydell@gmail.com) with any questions.
• Yahrtzeit/Kaddish/Yizkor in honor of the anniversary of the death of a parent or close relative.
• Tree of Life – create a lasting tribute by purchasing a leaf for the tree. Show appreciation to someone special, or celebrate life cycle events. The Tree of Life is located on the back wall of the Sanctuary. For more information email Tricia Ladouceur (tricia.shirshalom@gmail.com).​

Long-term Investment

• Legacy Fund – Leave a legacy build a future -- consider a bequest that provides ongoing financial support to CSS and future generations to assure continuity of services and programs in our Jewish community. For information please contact Lew Perlson (lew@perlson.com) or Sheryl Alexander (sjalex30@gmail.com).
• Lifetime Membership – Pay your dues once and you are a member of CSS for life. In the first year the equivalent of that year’s membership fees are transferred to that year’s Annual Budget. The balance is added to the CSS account with Community Foundation of Sonoma County. If needed we can draw funds from this account to supplement a shortfall. For information please contact Janet Gallin (janetgallin@gmail.com).

Other Ways to Donate

• Rabbi's Discretionary Fund – provides funding for charitable purposes at the Rabbi’s sole discretion.
  

To make a contribution, click the "Donate Now" button below and select the appropriate category.
For more information about any of the various funds of Shir Shalom, or to discuss your specific giving preferences, contact us at info.shirshalom@gmail.com.

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