Give

We rely solely on voluntary contributions

No membership required

Shma Koleinu is one of the few non-Orthodox US congregation with a full-time Rabbi that operates on 100% voluntary contributions.

Does Shma Koleinu cost money?
 

Of course, few if any worthwhile projects are free in this world. But there are lots of causes that we support, giving the money for which is entirely our decision.

From its very inception in December of 2013, Shma Koleinu has been the recipient of gifts that are, as the Torah teaches, asher lidveinu libo, “from those whose hearts have been so moved.”

So yes, we do plenty of fundraising and we invite everyone who engages with Shma Koleinu to look into their heart and decide what of their time, talent and treasure they are motivated to contribute to make the project, the movement, of Shma Koleinu happen.

While we are not affiliated with an American Jewish movement, we believe that we are a part of a greater movement – that is, “the movement of the heart.”

Shma Koleinu is made possible by the generosity of its supporters. To give you a "ballpark figure" when deciding the amount you wish to contribute, please consider the following. Our long-term goal is to be supported by 250 households contributing AN AVERAGE of $200/mo. Many households contribute less, some contribute more and this information is completely confidential. Our greatest interest is to be a community generated by a shared understanding of Tzedakah, that all of us who use, participate with, find our spiritual selves in and work to help grow, are willing to contribute their time, talent and treasure to make Shma Koleinu a consistent reality in our community.
 

How to Contribute

Online contributions
 

You can make contributions directly from this website, vie credit card or by e-check (ACH).  We encourage the use of e-checks, as they avoid credit card feels, which either you or CSK must pay.
 

We encourage you to be logged into cskhouston.com before you initiate an online payment, or fill out any form. This will make your life easier, as many fields will be filled out for you.  Also, your payment methods (credit card and ACH), will be remembered. In addition, it will make life easier for TIffany and Jon, who would otherwise have to connect the payment to your account by hand.  You can tell if your are logged in by looking at the very top of the home page for cskhouston.com. If your are logged in, you will see "Welcome your_name", otherwise it will say "Login".

To make a contribution when you are logged in:
Use our payments page. If you choose e-check and this is the first time you’ve done so, you will be connected to the “Plaid” verification service.  You will log on to your bank and give Plaid permission to access your account via ACH (automated clearing house).  In the future, if you have logged in, you will not have to do this; your bank will appear as a payment option.  Credit cards work similarly.  Your credit card information will be required the first time you use it, but will be remembered in the future (if you are logged in!).

To make a one-time contribution when you are not logged on, or if you don't have an account:

Use this form.  Payments must be by credit card; echecks are not available in this mode.

Donate by mailing a paper check
 

Paper checks can be used for payments via this link Mailing Form.

If you need help:

Contact Tiffany Halfon (tiffany@cskhouston.com or 713-960-1800) or Jon Sheiman (finance@cskhouston.com).

We at Shma Koleinu believe wholeheartedly that there ought to be no barriers to accessing a meaningful, spirited Jewish life, a key component of which is a Jewish community that celebrates and mourns together, learns and works together, dreams and imagines together.