Kol Nidre Appeal

Your generous response to the Kol Nidre Appeal in 2010 provided more than $96,000 to support the work of the congregation. When fellow congregants called you during the annual phonathon after Rosh HaShanah, you gave with an open hand. Your gifts, essential to our well-being, created one of the more successful Kol Nidre Appeals since we instituted the annual phonathon in 2002.

THE APPROACH: More than 60 years ago, Rabbi Ralph Simon z”l promised a skeptical Rodfei Zedek president that the Kol Nidre Appeal would be more successful if it were not conducted from the bimah during the High Holy Days. The appeal went silent, so to speak.

In 2002 we put a voice back into the Kol Nidre Appeal by adding a phonathon. Your initial response to the first phonathon was unprecedented; contributions tripled, from $25,000 to $75,000. A few years later the appeal reached $100,000, and we have remained at approximately that level for the last few years.

THE GOAL: We have set this year's goal at $110,000, with an eye towards enriching our growing programming and education for young families as well as our Y'mei Limmud (Days of Learning) for the entire congregation. A second goal is that at least 180 members–40 more than last year– participate in the appeal.

THE IMPORTANCE: The Kol Nidre Appeal lays the foundation, along with membership dues, for our financial stability. Last year, the appeal provided 13% of congregant-generated income. The Kol Nidre Appeal helps us maintain a balanced budget while sustaining the congregational commitment to observance, education, and celebration. It guards our physical well-being, with speedy snow removal and roof repairs; it adds to our spiritual well-being, with High Holy Day music; it enriches our learning, with Yamei Limud (Days of Learning); it adds sweetness to our observance, with honey cake at the Rosh HaShanah Kiddush and treats for children and adults alike at Simchat Torah.

THE COMMITMENT: On Monday evening, October 3, your fellow congregants will contact you, asking you to support Congregation Rodfei Zedek by supporting the Kol Nidre Appeal. If you have given in the past, please stay with us. Consider increasing your gift. If you did not participate in the Kol Nidre Appeal last year, please respond this year.

Your generous response is vital: The synagogue doors are open every day of the year for you and because of you.