Tzedakah

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As situations in the world warrant, the Religious School periodically will undertake a special collection. Learn more through the links below about special collections we have generated: Japan Earthquake Relief Fire in Northern Israel Haiti Earthquake Relief.

he Religious School of Congregation Emanu-El has a long tradition of supporting the work of organizations working for social justice through weekly tzedakah donations made by its students. Formerly known as “The Brightside Fund,” this program was given its name at a time when the “uptown” Jewish community dedicated itself to helping the newcomers who were flooding the gates of Ellis Island in a desperate search for the “brighter side” of life. However, more important than the name is the expectation that students will learn the importance of righteous giving. We ask for students to bring a contribution towards a communal project with them each time they come to school.

Donation organizations are selected by our Religious School Student Council representatives. Following are recipients selected for 2011-2012:

Yorkville Common Pantry
As in past years, our weekly collection begins with an organization that feeds the hungry in our area. YCP is New York City’s largest community-based food pantry. All contributions from the start of the school year through Thanksgiving benefit the pantry.



City Harvest
Now serving New York City for more than 25 years, City Harvest is the world’s first food-rescue organization, dedicated to feeding the city’s hungry men, women and children. This year, City Harvest will collect more than 30 million pounds of excess food from all segments of the food industry.



Magen David Adom
Founded in 1940 as the American Red Magen David for Israel (ARMDI), American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA) is the sole authorized fundraising and advocacy organization in the United States supporting the life saving efforts of Magen David Adom (MDA) in Israel and representing MDA in the US in all matters. MDA and its team of trained volunteer and professional medical responders depend on AFMDA support to provide the entire nation’s pre-hospital emergency needs, including medical, disaster, ambulance and blood services.

Recipients from previous years include:

Soles4Souls

Alyn Pediatric and
Adolescent Rehabilitation Center

National Organization for Rare Disorders

Ronald McDonald House

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces
Wounded Soldiers Program

PlayPumps International

Mount Sinai Hospital

HUC–JIR Community Soup Kitchen

Jewish National Fund

UJA-Federation of New York

Make-A-Wish Foundation

For more information about Religious School tzedakah efforts or to make a donation, contact the Department of Lifelong Learning.


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