SPECIAL CONTRIBUTIONS Every year at this time we ask our members and friends to make an additional donation to help maintain our synagogue and to support our various special funds. Please give as generously as possible.
With a beautiful landmark facility and outstanding programming, membership dues alone are not sufficient to cover our expenses. Each year we ask for an additional gift to help us sustain our mission. We recommend a minimum gift equal to one’s annual dues level.
Overseen by Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, this important charitable arm of the congregation enables all of us to respond to members in need and communities in crisis.
Our synagogue’s lay-led hesed network offers support, including meals, to members during times of illness, mourning, or child birth.
The congregational kiddush is an opportunity for congregants and visitors to socialize and mingle after services, humbly serving an important congregational function. Contributing to this fund enables us to offer an attractive kiddush throughout the year.
In 1802, Meir Polonies donated $900 to fund what has been since known as the The Polonies Talmud Torah School or PTTS. Over two hundred years later, thanks to the support of others, the school still carries on in its mission, offering subsidized tuition to all and scholarships to many.
CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETIES Beyond the spiritual, social, and intellectual offerings of our synagogue, our congregation has established many worthwhile societies over the years. We encourage you to join, support, and get involved in any or all of these societies.
1654 Society (1654society.org) - Founded 2004
A separate 501c3 tax-exempt organization dedicated to our historical preservation, 1654 Society helps ensure the maintenance of our landmark synagogue, our four historic cemeteries, priceless artifacts, our extensive archives, and more.
THE HEBRA HASED VA’AMET - Founded 1802; Jack Daar, President
The Hebra Hased Va'Amet, founded in 1802, is the oldest Jewish philanthropic organization in New York City. The Hebra provides dignified burials for indigent members and contributes to the maintenance of Congregation Shearith Israel’s cemeteries. The members of the Hebra Kadisha, an integral part of the Hebra Hased Va’Amet, perform tahara for synagogue members.The Hebra also provides the Mourners’ Meal after funerals and, together with Caring Connection, provides support for mourners during shiba.
THE HEBREW RELIEF SOCIETY - Founded 1828; Avery Neumark, President; Norris Wolff, Treasurer
The Hebrew Relief Society was established in 1828 as a charitable arm of the congregation focused exclusively on members of our congregation who may need emergency funds or ongoing financial support. The work of the Society is administered in confidence by a Board of Managers with the guidance of the Minister and when appropriate, members are offered assistance in a quiet and dignified manner.
SHEARITH ISRAEL LEAGUE - Founded 1919; George Bulow, President
The League sponsors events throughout the year such as public lectures, concerts, and hesed projects such as food, blood, and coat drives. Eager for new members and leaders, the League invites all who might be interested to attend one of our warm and welcoming monthly meetings as well as our public events.
SISTERHOOD OF THE SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE SYNAGOGUE - Founded 1896; Carla Salomon Schein, President
The Sisterhood holds a number of communal responsibilities, including the decoration and running of our renowned Elias Room Sukkah and the beautification of the Main Sanctuary during Shabuot. It is also responsible for the maintenance of the Little Synagogue and the Torah mantles. The Sisterhood supports many other charitable organizations both here in New York and in Israel.
