Sustaining Annual Pledge – Frequently Asked Questions

Give From the Heart – Sustaining Annual Pledge

Give From the Heart is an alternative model that eliminates traditional fixed dues and replaces them with a Sustaining Annual Pledge.

Manetto Hill Jewish Center has joined with synagogues across the country who have successfully introduced a Sustaining Annual Pledge model based on shared commitment and mutual trust. Give From the Heart recognizes that due to varying financial circumstances some congregants will be able to give at the sustaining amount, and some will give higher or lower amounts, and that all gifts are needed and valued.

Give From the Heart is built on trust that each of us will give according to our hearts and means, and that together our congregation will make Give From the Heart work as a viable way to continue our religious community for future generations. Your financial commitment ensures that we and future generations continue to have Manetto Hill Jewish Center as our Jewish home, to connect, pray, learn and lift each other up.

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?
These donations cover our operating expenses, including salaries, utilities, supplies, maintenance, insurance, etc.  Your financial commitment ensures that we and future generations continue to have Manetto Hill Jewish Center as our Jewish home.

How is the sustaining amount determined?
The sustaining amount is determined by taking the total annual budgeted expenses, subtracting the expected Religious School income, the expected fundraising expenses and fundraising profit, and dividing by the number of congregant households.

(Expected budgeted expenses – (Religious School income + Expected income from various budget lines) / Expected Congregant Families

What is not included in the Sustaining Pledge donation?

Fees associated with our Religious School are not included. In addition, any voluntary contributions such as 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 sustaining amount? What if I cannot afford the sustaining amount?
Give From the Heart acknowledges that personal circumstances vary among congregants, allowing some to donate at a substantially higher level while some may find it financially difficult to give the Sustaining Annual Pledge. Give from the Heart asks that each congregant commit to supporting Give From the Heart at their highest level possible. Please be as generous as your finances allow.

Will there still be a 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 ten years. Over 20 synagogues were contacted for information regarding their conversion to the Sustaining Annual Pledge model. Leaders from eight synagogues participated in extensive interviews for Manetto Hill Jewish Center’s adoption of the program.

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 Sustaining Annual Pledge model, the Give from the Heart Taskforce proposed this model to the congregation.  Give from the Heart is a new commitment model based on shared commitment and mutual trust allowing a relationship between congregants and the temple that is based on connections, not transactions. 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, please call the Manetto Hill Jewish Center Main Office at 516-935-5454 or email mhjcoffice@gmail.com and we will be glad to assist you.

What if I forget to return my Sustaining Pledge form?
We are anticipating 100% participation in this process. 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.