Annual Giving

As co-presidents—and parents ourselves—we feel profoundly grateful for the safe and welcoming space Temple Sinai offers to all of us. In a world full of uncertainties, having a place where people can find peace, comfort, and acceptance as their authentic selves has never been more valuable. We invite you to consider making a gift to support Temple Sinai’s annual campaign today. 

Temple Sinai is a second home for so many families, offering children and adults alike a place to find acceptance, connection, and growth. For our two families, with six children between us, Temple Sinai has been a cherished part of our journey—from preschool beginnings to becoming B’ Mitzvah and beyond. Each step has deepened our children’s sense of belonging and security, which lies at the heart of the Temple Sinai community. This feeling of safety and support is what makes Temple Sinai truly special. You are a vital part of Temple Sinai, and sustaining this congregation depends on the generous support of you, our community. 

While membership contributions keep us going, they only cover a portion of what it takes to bring Temple Sinai’s vibrant programs to life. Your additional support ensures that everything from the uplifting events of the Wellness Center to the creative visioning of the Teen Task Force can continue to happen within these walls. Today, we ask you to join us in making
an additional investment toward building a Jewish home for East Bay families. Please consider a meaningful gift—be it $18, $180, or $1,800—to help us strengthen and grow together.  

Every dollar you give supports the experiences and connections that make Temple Sinai a place where people of all ages
can thrive, including:

• Building lifelong friendships and deep Jewish identities in Kesher.  
• Exploring experiences, challenges, and opportunities as older adults through a Jewish lens with Wise Aging. 
• Creating opportunities for community service, education, and advocacy with Sinai Social Action.  
• Joining in reflection, reconnection, and prayer at the many diverse religious services offered.  

This year, please consider making a gift that reflects the value Temple Sinai brings to your life and our community. With your support, Temple Sinai will continue to offer inspiration, education, and connection—through joyful celebrations
and life’s most challenging moments. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your generosity and commitment. 

L’Shalom, 

Liz Daoust           Rebecca McEntee
Congregational Co-Presidents

P.S. Donations may also be made via donor-advised funds and foundations, or using mandatory distributions from 401(k) or other retirement accounts. More information about tax-advantaged ways to give can be found below. 

Donate as a Member via the Member Portal        |          Donate as a Non-Member

Tax Advantaged Ways to Support Temple Sinai this December

An Easy Way to Donate

Gifts of appreciated stocks, bonds, real estate, tangible assets—or just a check—are the easiest and most direct way to support Temple Sinai. These gifts are the most immediate way to enhance Temple life, and they often lead to an immediate tax deduction. Plus, a gift of appreciated property can yield additional tax savings.

“Bunching Donations” 

If you anticipate your total itemized deductions will be slightly below your standard deduction amount, you can combine or “bunch” contributions for multiple years into a single tax year. With bunching, you would itemize deductions on your current tax return and take the standard deduction on your future return to potentially produce
a larger two-year deduction than you would get by claiming two years of standard deductions.

Minimize Taxes on a Retirement Account Withdrawal

Charitable deductions may also help lower taxes on withdrawals from your tax-deferred retirement accounts. Taking a distribution offers tax benefits by potentially reducing your taxable estate and the tax liability for account beneficiaries. But remember, you generally need to be over age 59 ½ to avoid an early withdrawal penalty. 

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

For those who are 70 ½ or older, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are a great way to support Temple Sinai during your lifetime. A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a direct transfer from your IRA to a qualified charity, totally free of federal tax. For this purpose, Temple Sinai qualifies as a charitable recipient. In 2024, you can direct up to $105,000 to qualified charities. If you file jointly, your spouse can also make a QCD from their own IRA within the same tax year for up to $105,000.

QCDs count toward your annual required minimum distribution from your IRA (RMD) if certain rules are met.
A QCD is often more tax-efficient than taking the required distribution and making donations separately.

Please be in touch if a conversation would be useful to you. Contact development@oaklandsinai.org or
(510) 451-3263 for any questions or for more information. 

Information from Temple Sinai is intended to be educational and is not intended as legal or financial advice. Please check with your financial and legal advisors on how best to leverage these and other tax-advantaged ways to invest in Temple Sinai.