Did you know that a lot of local shuls and temples are completely self-supportive? The members of the congregation will usually pay toward the building fund when they join, and continue contributing through their membership dues each year. Due to rising costs of annual expenses such as staff salaries, fund-raising efforts such as these will not usually be enough to cover everything. This is why it is important for members of the congregation to become involved in local and overseas charities. Fund-raising can really help to raise the additional funds necessary each year. Here are a couple of examples on how this can be accomplished.

* Yarzheit Plaques

One idea is to dedicate a specific wall in the synagogue for yarzheit plaques, as well as a time for reciting the Mourner’s Kaddish. Jewish tradition states that a prayer should be said in the memory of a family member that has passed away. These special prayers are known as the Mourner’s Kaddish. This memorial prayer is said by the family and loved ones over a period of time when someone close to them dies. The Mourner’s Kaddish is typically recited for as much as eleven months by the eldest son of the deceased. Family members also have the option to pay the congregation of the temple to recite the Kaddish on their behalf if they are unable to do so. This is when a plaque with the name of the deceased is placed in the local synagogue as an additional commemoration. The plaques used for this purpose are known as yarzheit plaques. The close family members of the person that has died will light special candles in honor of the deceased called yarzheit candles each year on the anniversary of their death.

* Passover Candy Sales

Another great way to raise funds is through a sweet sale for Passover. The celebration of the Jews bring freed from slavery is what is celebrated during Passover or Pesach. A ritual which is known as a seder is what is used to celebrate this holiday, along with certain restrictions to diet such as not eating leavened bread during this time period. Certain candies and special sweet pastries that are only available during Passover are also eaten by many Jews celebrating this holiday. You can raise a lot of money with a Passover holiday bake sale. Macaroons, a pastry called Krakovsky that is sort of like a cross between a brownie and peanut brittle, and raspberry jelly rings covered in dark chocolate called Ring Jells are just some of the traditional treats that are consumed during Passover. * A Sunday Temple Sale

Another great fund-raiser is to organize a Temple sale on a Sunday. Members of the congregation can be asked to donate items such as books or clothing that they no longer want or need. Be sure that any donated clothing is free of tears, excessive wear or stains. All books sold should be in good condition and have their covers in place. Items for babies should be clean and working properly. A good idea is to double-check any baby items on the Internet to ensure that they have not been recalled since they were manufactured for safety reasons. Any electronic devices and furniture items should be in good condition and functioning properly. It is a good idea to divide all of the donated items into categories. You can set up the sale in a basement or other large space at the temple. You should extend your invitations to the public. Local newspapers can be used to advertise the event in advance. Large signs should be used on the day of the sale to attract business. Unless an item is especially valuable or rare, you should price the items at $5 or less to increase sales.