Oct. 23, 2009
The Rabbi William Sajowitz Endowment Fund (SEF) was created by the Temple Emanuel Board of Trustees to enhance the cultural, educational, religious, social action and youth endeavors of the Temple...
The Rabbi William Sajowitz Endowment Fund (SEF) was created by the Temple Emanuel Board of Trustees to enhance the cultural, educational, religious, social action and youth endeavors of the Temple and its members with emphasis on strengthening our commitment to the Reform Movement. It is Temple Emanuel’s lifeblood for enrichment, study and programming opportunities. Since its inception in 1985, to honor and now memorialize our beloved Rabbi William Sajowitz, the fund has contributed to the vibrancy of our membership and community. The fund is under the guidance of the Sajowitz Endowment Fund Committee, whose members are appointed by the President of the congregation with approval of the Board. Last year the SEF disbursed over $24,000 in grants for Temple programming, educational support and scholarships.
Two of the largest grants typically are made in support of Temple’s scholar-in-residence weekends – The Sajowitz Endowment Weekend in the fall and the Torah Weekend, held jointly with Beth El Congregation and the South Hills JCC, in February 2010. This year, the Sajowitz Endowment Fund Weekend will be held December 4th and 5th. Our scholar-in residence is Rabbi Scott Aaron, who is AJL’s new scholar-in-residence. The theme of the weekend is “Make for yourself a teacher, acquire for yourself a friend.” (Pirke Avot) Parenting, Mentoring and Teaching in the 21st Century.
The SEF also supports Temple’s youth through grants to students traveling to Israel, to Temple members attending Jewish summer camp and for other Jewish youth programs. As in previous years, the SEF will be providing funding to help offset the costs of the Confirmation Class Trip in December, and we will be providing support to help the cost of other programming during the year including the popular Lunch and Lecture series and College Connections.
Due to a conservative investment strategy and good oversight by our investment advisors at BPU Investment Management, the Fund did not experience losses the size of those of many similar endowment funds during the recent financial downturn. Nevertheless, with the decline in the investment market over the past 12 months, the SEF has seen its endowment principal value dip for the first time in several years. The Committee is engaged in plans to grow the Fund in the longer term and to conserve resources while still supporting vital Temple needs in the coming years. As always, we encourage congregants to consider gifts, large and small, to the Sajowitz Endowment Fund so that we can continue to provide opportunities for enrich-ment at Temple Emanuel.
