A donation may be made in honor of any simcha, as a way of thanking a member of our professional staff or fellow congregant, or in memory of a loved one, by submitting a complete Tribute form with a check (in the amount of your choice, but usually ranging from $18 to $100 per tribute) to the synagogue office.
A card or e-mail will be sent to the person you designate, acknowledging the donation, and the tribute will be listed in the monthly newsletter.
We also have a "Banking Tribute" program which allows you to send 10 tributes in one year for a one-time donation of $100. There are many funds to which you can designate your donation:
Tribute Funds (submit form)
Memorial Plaque
In the sanctuary is a Memorial Board on which you may inscribe a plaque in memory of a loved one. The cost is $360 per plaque.
Tree of Life
In the atrium outside the sanctuary is a lovely wall sculpture we call the "Tree of Life." A leaf may be inscribed in honor of someone or some event for $360.
General Fund
For overall operating expenses of the synagogue.
Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
For needy individuals and organizations as determined by the rabbi.
Cantor's Discretionary Fund
For needy individuals and organizations as determined by the cantor.
Chumashim & Prayerbook Fund
For new Bibles (chumashim) and prayerbooks (siddurim) used at our services. To have a book inscribed, the donation is $54 for a siddur and $108 for a chumash.
Krischer Torah Fund
For maintenance of our Torah Scrolls.
Maurice Conrad Fund
For the purchase of decorative articles for the synagogue. Maurice Conrad was the husband of longtime KM member Lillian Heller Conrad and the fund was established in his memory.
Library Funds
Our library is constantly growing. If you have adult or children's books or magazines that you wish to donate, contact the synagogue office. All items must be of Jewish content and in good condition. If you prefer, a variety of funds have been established for monetary contributions (please submit this form with your donation):
General Library Fund
For new books and maintenance of our synagogue library.
Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund
Help fund a summer trip to Ramah in Ojai. Jewish summer camps have proven to be one of the most effective ways of instilling a strong Jewish identity and love of Judaism in young people.
General Children's Library Fund
For new children's books to be added to our library.
Elise Granach Children's Library Fund
For new children's books for our library. Established upon the passing of young Elise Granach, daughter of congregants
Youth Funds (submit form)
Religious School Scholarship Fund
For our members' children to attend the Rabbi Jacob Barkan Education Center, regardless of financial means.
KM United Synagogue Youth Fund
To assist in the operation of KMUSY and Kadima.
Wills and Living Trusts
Kehillat Ma'arav accepts charitable bequests under Wills or Living Trusts. Charitable bequests are very important to us. When a congregant dies, we lose not only the unique presence of that member, but also the dues and other financial support that the congregant provided. A bequest helps to cushion the financial loss which we experience from the death of the congregant.
The main purpose of a Will or Living Trust is to make sure that your assets are distributed as you desire. It should reflect your values and ensure that the distribution of property creates a lasting expression of your life. For example, you can arrange for a special tribute to your spouse, establish a memorial in the names of your parents, or endow a program which is important to you so that it can continue into the future.
Unrestricted bequests are the most welcome because they allow us the flexibility to determine how the principal and income will be used to help our Congregation meet it greatest needs at the time of receipt. We also welcome bequests in support of ongoing programs, or to provide for our future needs such as our building fund.
An example of appropriate wording is:
"I give, devise, and bequeath to Kehillat Ma'arav, The Westside Congregation, Santa Monica, California, the sum of $____________(or a percentage of the residue of your estate)
the following described securities:
the following described real estate:
the rest and residue of my estate after payment of the foregoing bequests."
A bequest to Kehillat Ma'arav will be deductible for federal estate taxes, thus reducing the impact on your family. For example, if you are in the highest estate tax bracket, a gift to Kehillat Ma'arav will only reduce your estate by about 45% of the gift. And, if you leave our Congregation a portion of your IRA or retirement plan assets, it can avoid income and estate taxes which can approach 75%!
We would be pleased to answer your questions or coordinate with your attorney. For more information, please contact our Executive Director, Kathie Rose, at (310) 829-0566 or via e-mail office @ km-synagogue . org.
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