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From: raphael@crystal.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.religion.jewish
Subject: Fund raising techniques
Message-ID: <375@crystal.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 26-Nov-84 10:47:53 EST
Article-I.D.: crystal.375
Posted: Mon Nov 26 10:47:53 1984
Date-Received: Wed, 28-Nov-84 04:02:24 EST
Distribution: net
Organization: U of Wisconsin CS Dept
Lines: 24

What techniques are acceptable for a synagogue to raise money?  I would like
to elicit answers based on any set of standards you would like to raise, but
I prefer standards grounded in halokho (Jewish way of life). 

Here is a list of fundraising projects I have heard of, and my one-line
reaction:

Annual dues:  Fine, but it can be steep.
Mi-she-beyrakh's (Prayers on behalf of a congregant, recited for a fee during
	Torah reading):  OK, but can be embarrassing.
Auctioning kibudim (Honors of various sorts):  I don't like it.
Yearly appeals during High Holiday services:  Contrary to the spirit of the day.
Rummage sales:  Great, especially if the poor have first chance and good price.
Plaques commemorating departed relatives:  Traditional.
Plaques commemorating joyous events:  I like this idea better.
Contributions in honor of or in condolence for recent events:  A nice idea.
Gift shop:  A good source of Judaica, but can tend toward bad taste.
Soliciting gifts of life insurance policies:  Un-Jewish and fraudulent
Religious-school fees:  The congregation should support the school, not the
	reverse.
Art auctions:  Nice idea.
Bingo:  Encourages gambling, taxes the poor.

Any comments?