What is Give From the Heart?

Give From the Heart eliminates traditional fixed dues and replaces them with an annual Sustaining Pledge.

Give From the Heart recognizes that all families have different financial circumstances.   Finances should never be a burden or a barrier to becoming a member of a congregation.

Give From the Heart is built on trust that each of us will give according to our hearts and means, and that Give From the Heart will be a viable way to continue our religious community for future generations.

How does Give from the Heart work?
Give from the Heart works by giving every congregant the opportunity to make a commitment to our community in an amount that is meaningful to their household and reflects the value of Manetto Hill Jewish Center in their lives. Manetto Hill Jewish Center leadership will inform the congregation of the cost per household to keep the doors open – the Sustaining Annual Pledge. Using that guidance, all congregants make a financial commitment of their own choosing.

What is the Sustaining Pledge income used for?
Your pledges cover our operating expenses, including salaries, utilities, supplies, maintenance, insurance, programs, community events, etc.

How is the sustaining amount determined?
The Sustaining Pledge is the result of a equation that is checked and updated annually.  This year’s equation is below:

(Expected budgeted expenses – (Religious School income + Specified Expense Budget Lines) / Expected Congregant Families

What is not included in the Sustaining Pledge?

Fees associated with our Religious School are not included.  Any Congregational Assessments are not included.  In addition, any voluntary contributions such as your High Holy Day Appeal, Yahrzeit Donations, programs with an admission fee, donations to MHJC, Men’s Club and Sisterhood dues would not be included in your Sustaining Annual Pledge.

Can I give more than the suggested amount? What if I cannot afford the sustaining amount?
Yes.  Of course you can.  Give from the Heart asks that each family commits to supporting Give From the Heart at their highest level possible. Be as generous as your finances allow.

Will there still be High Holy Day appeals?
Yes. The High Holy Day and Yizkor Appeal tradition will continue.

Do any other congregations use the donation model?
Yes. Dozens of synagogues have successfully introduced this model over the past fifteen years.

Will each congregant’s donation amount be confidential?
Yes. We honor the privacy of each congregant and family.

Why did MHJC adopt this commitment model?
After months of research and interviews of synagogues that have adopted the annual Sustaining Pledge model, the Give from the Heart Taskforce proposed this model to the congregation.  Give from the Heart provides an opportunity for those who are unaffiliated or put off by high synagogue membership fees to find a comfortable level and grow in their commitment to the community.

How do I join?
If you’d like to become a member of our community, download the Membership Application, and email it to mhjcoffice@gmail.com.

What if I forget to return my Sustaining Pledge form?
No worries.  If you forget to return your form, we will reach out to remind you.

What if I have other questions?
Please email Barry Katz, our Membership Chairperson at katman105@aol.com or call or Main Office at (516) 935-5454.