Holy Blossom Temple Annual Congregational Appeal
Members Helping Members
Together, We Blossom
A wonderful spirit is alive at Holy Blossom. Here you will find warmth and joy, community and purpose, a place of openness to all – where each member can engage, where comfort and caring matter. We are proud of our 160-year-old Congregation and of the Liberal Jewish values we espouse.
Holy Blossom Temple is also a place to grow. With our hearts, our minds, our souls and our might, we evolve individually and as a congregation, together creating a kehillah k’doshah, a sacred community, of which we are all a part.
But imagine if Holy Blossom were suddenly out of reach for you and your family.
Unexpected situations such as family tragedies, job losses, and changes in marital situation can all greatly and abruptly affect our members’ personal finances. At Holy Blossom Temple, these cherished congregants are never left behind.
“I’ve been a member for many years,” says one Congregant who agreed to share her experiences of receiving community support. “Of course, I paid the dues and was very happy to. Then a few years ago, I became ill and was suddenly unable to work. In so many of areas of my life I felt lost. But one source of support and encouragement was my Holy Blossom Temple family. Thank God for this incredibly compassionate congregation where I always feel welcome and included.”
In any given year, 40% of our members require community support to ensure they are able to participate at Temple with dignity.
This is where all of us, and the Holy Blossom Temple Annual Congregational Appeal (Annual Appeal), can play a crucial role. Each year, we ask our members with financial ability to contribute above and beyond the sustaining membership donation to assist those who are struggling. By putting forth this “members helping members” Campaign, we live up to our promise of ensuring everyone can participate with equity and pride.
Last year, the Annual Appeal raised $575,000 help maintain and enhance life at Holy Blossom. In 2018, we are hoping for a 10% increase over last year’s results to help ensure that we can continue to provide our unique and varied array of Temple programs and services, 365 days per year.
Holy Blossom Temple’s ability to serve our members depends solely on your generosity. Please consider making your gift now.
Strict confidentially dictates that you will never know which members you are helping. However, you can remain confident that through your generosity, you are enhancing life at Holy Blossom Temple for a wide array of members who could well be your friends, business associates, and even members of your own family.
“Looking at me and my family, you would never know we once had hard times,” says a Toronto-area businessperson and regular donor who shared his experiences of once having needed community support. “But in the early 1980’s my business went bankrupt. Times were suddenly very tight. I went to the Temple for help, and they accepted us with no questions asked. We felt so kindly treated. Of course, now we are in a much better position and give back as much as we can. I would never say no to Holy Blossom which was so good to us.”
Gifts of all sizes are valued by the entire congregation. Donors who contribute $600 or more will be listed on our Annual Congregational Appeal Donor Wall which will be ready in time for Rosh Hashanah 2018. All donors will be listed on the Website and in our Temple Bulletin.
Please make your gift by May 18, 2018, to ensure that you are included in our Early Donors Listing which will be distributed in this summer’s Temple Membership Package.
Thank you so much for your loyalty and dedication to the Congregation. Your generosity provides a strong and inclusive Holy Blossom, now and for generations to come.
For more information on how to make your gift to the 2018 Holy Blossom Temple Annual Appeal, please contact Jonathan Ain, Director of Development, at 416.789-3291 ext. 249 or email jain@holyblossom.org.
