TBS’s endowment campaign is a fundraising effort dedicated to establishing and growing an endowment – a fund governed by the synagogue that will provide long-term resources for the synagogue’s mission broadly, or for a dedicated purpose. The endowment created by this campaign will specifically support the costs of world class Rabbinic leadership for TBS going forward.

The principal of an endowment fund stays whole and will be invested to grow at an annual rate, or "return,” a portion of which is applied toward the purpose of the endowment. The level of funding depends on TBS’s investment strategy and market conditions.

We are doing the Campaign for Rabbinic Excellence to enable TBS to confidently reach its potential as the synagogue of the future. TBS’s commitment to always having the most qualified and engaged Rabbinic leadership, inspiring the shul’s dedication to growth, Jewish tradition, Israel, and learning programs targeting all age groups —children, teens, young adults, adults, seniors and families — distinguishes us from other synagogues and leading community institutions in our area. This advances TBS’s role and presence as a community hub and is an engine to generate active participation, financial support and a growing membership

Endowment funds are held and banked separately from TBS’s operating funds and managed independently.

The actual amount of interest income distributed each year is governed by a spending policy determined by an Endowment or Investment Committee and ratified by the TBS Board. It is typically calculated as a percentage of the endowment's total value, often around 4%-5% of the asset. Earnings beyond the allocated amount will be added to the balance of the endowment, enabling it to grow the annual income and the funds distributed to TBS programs and activities.

Beyond its core purpose, having dedicated funds dedicated to Rabbinic leadership frees up funding in the congregation’s annual budget, enabling TBS to invest in the growth that we are experiencing.  Specifically this means investing more deeply in education  spanning the breadth of our community; engagement that helps make our large community feel small, and continued development work to sustain growth

Projections over a Five-Year period

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The vision for TBS and the Campaign for Rabbinic Excellence was developed after broad discussions among TBS leaders and members over several years, and it was endorsed and approved by the synagogue Board – and integrated as part of the recognition of Rabbi Peltz for 18 years of Rabbinic leadership at TBS. With 100% participation among Executive Committee and Board members as donors to the Campaign for Rabbinic Excellence, and the active role that many are playing, the Board, plus the ongoing hands-on leadership of the campaign working group, are advancing the vision forward.

The goal of the Campaign for Rabbinic Excellence is to meet with and request participation and support from 100% of the congregation. It is an interactive process throughout, eliciting knowledge and feedback as we go.

Every donor to the Campaign for Rabbinic Excellence - at all levels, will be recognized and every commitment is deeply appreciated!  The names of all donors (aside from those who wish to remain anonymous) will be listed alphabetically on a display in our synagogue as well as in printed/electronic materials.  A second plaque will list major donors according to giving level. 

We are particularly excited to announce that a compilation book of Rabbi Micah Peltz’s sermons over the past 18 years is being created, and all donors will be recognized throughout the book, according to their giving level to the campaign. Giving levels, named in honor of Rabbi Peltz’ sermons and the Torah portions that flow through the year, are as follows:

• $250,000+ - Etz Hayyim

• $180,000+ - Rabbi's Minyan

• $118,000-$179,999 - Book of the Torah

• $90,000-$117,999 - The High Holy Days: Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur

• $72,000-$89,999 - The Festivals: Pesah, Shavuot, Sukkot

• $54,000-$71,999 - Purim, Hanukkah, Yom Haatzmaut

• $36,000-$53,999 - Torah Portion

• $18,000-$35,999 - Chapter

• Up to $17,999 - Verse

Everyone is asked to give at their level of capability. Since our endowment campaign enables commitments to be paid over a 3- or 5-year period, congregants can consider campaign commitments that are larger and more forward-looking than funds that we raise throughout each year. That said, there is no “one size fits all” approach to this Campaign. Our goal is to have 100% of our membership participate at their level of capacity and comfort.

TBS is a caring community. Our Plus Givers program helps us meet our annual operating budget as Plus Givers generously contribute dues at amounts higher than regular membership. This helps ensure that TBS never turns away a congregant who is unable to pay full dues and provides additional revenue in support of programs and initiatives critical to our mission. However, TBS’s endowment campaign focuses on our congregation’s long-term vitality and growth. The endowment will enable us to ensure that TBS remains a “synagogue of the future” well into the coming years, with the most qualified and engaged Rabbinic leadership guiding and inspiring the shul’s dedication to growth, Jewish tradition, Israel, and learning programs targeting all age groups — children, teens, young adults, adults, seniors and families. It is our responsibility and privilege to build upon the foresight and gifts of those who came before us.

 Our goal is 100% participation among our TBS congregant community, and all donors—at every level—will be recognized for their support of this special initiative.

All of our generous donors—Plus Givers/Corporate Sponsors/those who have established endowed funds—deserve the gratitude of the TBS community and recognition for their contribution to our success and where we are today! They [you] help us grow each year -providing innovative programming, inspiring our spiritual growth, caring for and supporting our congregants in times of need, deepening our connection to Jewish tradition, and strengthening relationships. This endowment campaign, however, is focused on advancing this inspiration for the long-term.

TBS is doing well! Despite the nationwide trend away from people affiliating in the U.S., our membership continues to grow. We see new members join our congregation when they move to the area – from across the country or even from Philadelphia. We see new members join from other nearby congregations. And we have many members who have children enrolled in our innovative and fully subscribed Early Childhood Education Center daycare and preschool programs.

But just like we experience in our own personal and professional lives, expenses are always rising—including the cost of operating our synagogue. And membership dues and tuition do not cover all the expenses. Many experts suggest that a nonprofit – especially in the Jewish nonprofit world – have an endowment of between 2-3 times its annual operating budget. While this campaign is not focused on achieving a goal at that scope, it is a significant start toward ensuring we have an endowment that will always ensure that we have the best and most qualified clergy who will advance and support our vision and goals.

Thank you for your meaningful long-term commitment to TBS through the Life and Legacy program.

You inspire others through your belief in our congregation’s essential role and place in our community. However, this Campaign for Rabbinic Excellence is a special “stand alone” effort for a dedicated purpose — funding our current clergy and ensuring that TBS always has access to excellent Rabbinic leadership for generations to come. We hope that you can join fellow congregants in supporting the Campaign for Rabbinic Excellence.

If you would like to discuss a commitment to the Campaign for Rabbinic Excellence, please reach out to Ron Safier, TBS Executive Director, at rons@tbsonline.org. All asks are personalized – there is no “one size fits all.” A member of the Campaign team will reach out to arrange a meeting to share the full scope of the Campaign for Rabbinic Excellence and to ask for your support.