The middah (soulful character trait) of generosity in Hebrew is hakarat hatov. It means to recognize the good. When you support Nefesh with a contribution of funds, your time and energy, and other essential resources, you recognize the good that this community brings to the people, neighborhoods, and national Jewish landscape. It means that you are committed to building this community, not just for yourself and those you love, but for anyone who wants to be here, regardless of financial capacity. On behalf of Nefesh clergy, professional staff, board of directors, and Kin, thank you for your support.
Support us
At Nefesh, no one is turned away for lack of funds, ever. Your contributions – both monetary and in kind (space, professional services, e.g.) – make this possible.
Become Kin
Make Nefesh your spiritual home
Volunteer
Nefesh volunteers are production assistants, at home ritual hosts, nosh purveyors, phone bankers, committee members, warm welcomers, and more. Contact Sonya Mendoza to get engaged.
What is Kinship?
We spent time figuring out a financial model to sustain our community that is loving, fair, and equitable. The Kinship model is based on the teachings of our rabbis that asks everyone to make a contribution to the community based on your household income.
How does it work?
We are asking that you donate 2–8% of your yearly household income to the Nefesh community as your offering, your contribution. And we hope that you will donate the remaining percentage—up to 10%—to other needs and causes that are important to you.
We know that for everyone that amount is different. Other temples and spiritual communities have a set amount as a yearly membership contribution. We are asking you to make a choice of what works for you. The percentage is based on your total after-tax income. If there are multiple earners in your family household you add them together for the total.
How do I figure out what to give?
Below, you will find a handy calculator to help you find your percentage to donate. Please know all information you enter into the calculator is private to you only. The donation is for the year, and if you like you can make your tax deductible donation on automatic monthly or quarterly payments.
In doing our calculations we have found that we need on average $2,500 per person. Some will donate more and some will donate less based on your income. If your financial situation is such that you need to pay less than $800, please contact us, and we can have a conversation about a Kinship that will work for you.
If you are already a member of another congregation that’s wonderful, and we welcome your support of Nefesh and suggest a $500 donation.
If you are not ready to become Nefesh Kin or are already Kin we welcome you to continue to support Nefesh with a donation here.
We trust that each of you will make the contribution that you feel is meaningful to you. If you would like to talk more about it, please reach out for a conversation at nefeshinfo@gmail.com.
What does it mean to become Kin?
By becoming Kin, you sustain and support the community, participate in Nefesh High Holy day services, Shabbat, celebrations, classes, and events throughout the year, and have the community and Rabbi Susan available to you for life cycle and spiritual needs.
Thank you again for becoming Nefesh Kin!