Kol Nidre Appeal 2003 One Rosh Hashanah morning, the Rabbi ...

news… we have two parties interested in purchasing this facility.
If I am not for me, who will be?
Unlike some other congregations, we do not use the High Holy Days for appeals for
Israeli bonds, JNF or other important Jewish communal funds.
Instead, on Rosh Hashannah, we have a Gimulut Hasadim appeal to assure we have. And
on Yom Kippur, we conduct our annual appeal that currently funds 47% of our operating
budget.
If I am for myself alone, what am I?
This statement also epitomizes the core values of NHS. Our congregation and
professional staff actively support Israel, the Jewish community of Cincinnati, and the
Jewish community worldwide. NHS members have developed a reputation for highlevels
of participation in Jewish Community fundraisers and events. And, our support of
Israel in word and deed is enormous. We are committed to social action. Our Gemilut-
Hasadim/social action committee has doubled our involvement with the Over-the-Rhine
Soup kitchen, for example.
If not now, when?
Long ago, our sages said, “Do not rely on miracles.” More recently, Chaim Weizmann,
Israel’s first president said, “Miracles sometimes occur but one has to work terribly hard
for them.”
As you know, our dues structure is not based on a percentage of ones income. We
welcome members even when they cannot afford dues. In fact, over a quarter of our
membership is on reduced dues. Our Yom Kippur Appeal, as distinct from fixed dues, is
the opportunity for each of us to contribute to our synagogue community in a flexible
manner, in line with our individual ability to give.
I am not going to itemize expenses. You already know we have costs and we do our best
to contain and control them. You know that last year, in order to contain costs, we cut
back on the hours of our employees, and with great fiscal oversight on the part of Phyliss
Shubs, we were able to substantially cut maintenance and supply costs
Instead…we must focus on income – making sure we have enough income to cover our
day-to-day costs. What I am speaking about is the income we need for our operating
budget, which are distinctly separate from funds used in our relocation effort.
Our goal this year is not only to remain in the black, but to actually bank a cushion to
take us through this critical transition time.
Let me give you some perspective.
Last year, 35% of our pledges were for $1000 or more. To raise that to 40%, we need just
7 members, to increase to the $1000 level.