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Dear CSK!
(You can read this first to remind you why CSK matters and is worthy of your end of year contribution or you can just donate by clicking HERE, because you already know!)
As we approach the end of the year, I want to pause and share why Congregation Shma Koleinu matters—and why your support right now is so essential.
CSK’s email list reaches about 1,500 people, but more importantly, each year we regularly serve roughly 150 households—not counting the hundreds more who join us during the High Holy Days. Just recently, I had the honor of officiating our 83rd B’nai Mitzvah, and by the end of this fiscal year we will have celebrated 91 CSK B’nai Mitzvahs in 42 different locations. Each one represents a family saying “yes” to Jewish life, often in places where they never thought it would be possible.
Our Journey program is powered by 18 extraordinary volunteer teachers, whose donated time over the last 12 years represents hundreds of thousands of dollars in value—and an immeasurable amount of love, commitment, and Jewish learning. We offer Shabbat at least 48 times each year, and we walk with individuals and families, truly, from cradle to grave.
At CSK, we say “YES!”—as often as possible, and sometimes even when it seems impossible.
Now in our 13th year, we are entering a new and joyful chapter: CSK’s very first Adult B’nai Mitzvah cohort, a community milestone we are proud to celebrate together
(and yes—it’s not too late to sign up!)
Here’s the reality behind the scenes: based on our core community of about 150 households, it costs approximately $3,000 per household per year to run CSK. But CSK exists precisely because we believe that Jewish life should never be limited by someone’s ability to pay. We know some among us cannot afford that amount—and we know others are blessed to give more. Together, that shared commitment is what makes CSK possible.
You’ve received our end-of-year solicitation, and I want to say this plainly and personally: we need your support. If you haven’t yet made your end-of-year gift, I invite you to do so now. Every contribution—large or small—directly sustains the community we are building together.
CSK exists because of generous supporters like you.
And by “supporters,” I mean YOU. Please make your end of year contribution now.
Thank you for being part of this sacred work. I wish you and your loved ones a meaningful and healthy New Year.
With gratitude,
Rabbi Scott
