Message from Mark Schildhouse, Co-President

Friends,

For those of you that heard my message on Yom Kippur, you will recall that I spoke of the various roles a synagogue assumes, and I highlighted some of the many challenges we have in maintaining and preserving our wonderful and historic building, both for ourselves and future generations. Many of you responded to our request for contributions to the Building Chai campaign, and I sincerely thank you. Through your generosity we can begin addressing some of our most pressing needs, including painting the building’s exterior and remodeling the kitchen. These projects are not fully funded yet, but we have a good start. Of course, these are some, but by no means all of the projects we have on the wish list.

Which brings me to the point of this note—many of you may not realize that Temple Beth Shalom is a 501(C)(3) organization, qualified and approved by the Internal Revenue Service to receive charitable contributions and gifts. Such a designation allows donors to claim deductions for their charitable contributions on their Federal income tax returns. In effect, Temple Beth Shalom is on par with organizations like the American Cancer Society, Akron-Canton Food Bank or your college alma mater for example, as it relates to charitable gifts. As you contemplate your year-end contributions, why not consider Temple Beth Shalom? I can assure you that your donations will be put to excellent use and will be greatly appreciated by the congregation and our guests that come to visit the synagogue. Your contributions will be fully deductible and 100% of every dollar will be allocated for improvements. Not only can you enjoy a tax benefit, but you can also help your congregation improve and maintain your synagogue as a House of Prayer, a House of Study and a House of Peace.

L’Shalom,

Mark Schildhouse