What is Gift of the Heart?
As part of our commitment to fostering an open and inclusive community, Temple Emanu-El asks each member to make a voluntary donation each year in support of our ongoing operations. This program is known as Gift of the Heart.
Since we started Gift of the Heart more than a decade ago, we have not had a formal dues structure. Instead, we encourage every member to make an annual contribution to the shul that’s as meaningful, comfortable, and generous as possible.
What do Gifts of the Heart Support?
Your Gift of the Heart helps to support our vibrant Jewish community. Thanks to the voluntary contributions of hundreds of members each year, we’re able to:
- provide a robust, year-round calendar of holiday celebrations, social, arts, and educational programs, special events in the community, and much more
- hold a cappella services on Friday nights, musical Friday night services (Shabbat Chai), and Family Fridays geared towards children ages 0-7 and their grownups
- sponsor three different types of religious services every Saturday morning, as well as a daily Minyan
- offer regular Kiddush lunches each Saturday
- offer Religious School programming for children in grades K-6
- offer adult education programming for all adults
- offer opportunities for social engagement and volunteering through a mix of affinity groups for all age groups (e.g., ATEED 20s and 30s, Boomers and Beyond ages 55+, Brotherhood, Providence USY, Sisterhood, TEQ – LGBTQIA Community)
- operate all of these activities safely and securely
What Amount is “Appropriate” for Gift of the Heart?
We leave it up to you to decide what amount to give. We kindly suggest gifts at one of the following levels: Sustainers ($3,000+ per household) or Builders ($7,200+ per household).
Any amount, whether large or small, is meaningful and deeply appreciated – your generous contributions mean so much to ensuring our community’s continuing strength and vitality.
John Adams and Laura Magan are relatively new members of Temple Emanu-El, having joined in April 2024 after relocating from Florida. A rabbi there recommended they connect with Rabbi Fel. What was intended to be a brief introduction turned into a warm and engaging two-hour conversation—one that convinced them this was where they belonged. “Once we became members, the rest of our life fell into place.”
Soon after joining, a fellow congregant helped them find a home just a mile from the synagogue, and others played a key role in helping Laura, a physician, secure a job in Providence. Feeling deeply welcomed and connected, John and Laura quickly became involved in Temple life. They joined Boomers and Beyond, regularly attend services, and John participates in daily minyan and Rabbi Fel’s Wednesday Morning Learning.
“When we’re here, we feel cared about and uplifted,” says John, who is seriously committed to Jewish learning. For him, Temple Emanu-El is a center for both spiritual and intellectual growth.
While they may not have a multigenerational connection to the Temple, John and Laura are deeply committed to its future. That commitment is reflected not only in their Gift of the Heart donation but also in their decision to join the Dor L’Dor Society for legacy giving.
Contributions like these ensure that Temple Emanu-El will remain vibrant and thriving for generations to come. “We want to encourage more people to give back and help secure the Temple’s future. For us, this is how we show our love for the community. It’s our way of giving back—a legacy of love.”
To Make a Gift of the Heart Donation
Call 401 331-1616 or visit our Donate page to make your Gift of the Heart donation.
We are ever grateful for your donations, as they enable us to do our sacred work. Thank you!