Ways to Give
Ways to Give
(to donate online now, click here)
Endowment...Support Today - Secure Tomorrow...
The first way you can secure the future of Beth El Temple is by establishing a named Endowment Fund now. Maybe you want to help defray the cost of a program you and your family greatly enjoy. A named fund can be “restricted” to allow the income from that fund to do just that.
Or, an “unrestricted” named fund can have its income applied by the Endowment Trustees across any number of worthy Temple programs to help provide a variety of offerings each year. Establishing a named fund now ensures your legacy and increases the current value of Beth El’s Endowment Fund which allows for immediate benefits to Beth El Temple.
The Endowment Fund of Beth El Temple of West Hartford is a separate 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit corporation whose funds are currently managed by the Jewish Community Foundation as part of their extensive portfolio. The Endowment fund receives and manages all endowment contributions to the synagogue.
In remembrance, there is life...
You might choose to include Beth El Temple in your estate planning. Income from The Endowment Funds at Beth El supports programs that make Beth El much more than simply a place of worship. There are many ways to provide for Beth El in your estate plan:
Charitable Remainder Trusts pay income to you, as the donor, for a fixed amount of time. Afterwards, the remainder is reverted to Beth El.
A Simple Bequest leaves a fixed amount or a percentage of your estate to Beth El. This can be in the form of securities, real estate or cash.
Charitable Lead Trusts pay income to Beth El’s Endowment Fund for a period of time determined by you, the donor. Afterwards the assets are returned to you, your heirs or beneficiaries.
Deferred Gift Annuities are for those who do not currently need extra income, but wish to increase income in later years.
Charitable Gift Annuities provide you, the donor, with a guaranteed fixed income for life. A portion of the annual payment is tax-free. If property is donated, capital gains tax may be distributed over a period of years.
Each of the various gift vehicles mentioned above, offers federal tax incentives to encourage charitable giving. Tax laws and regulations, however, are subject to change, and you should consult with your personal financial or legal advisor before deciding upon a gift.
Habonim Society — A Legacy of Builders
Thousands of people each year turn to gift planning to build the foundation for their philanthropy. Through generous support of the organizations they care about, these individuals provide untold benefits for future generations. Every gift makes a difference, and every person can find a planned gift that’s the right fit... these gifts matter.
The Habonim Society of Beth El Temple was founded to honor members who have established named Endowment funds or have provided for Beth El in their estate plans. Membership is lifetime, complimentary and growing yearly.
Since planned gifts are the ultimate expression of confidence in Beth El Temple, it seemed fitting to name the Endowment recognition society, Habonim which means the Builders. Gifts given by members of the Habonim Society will last in perpetuity thus building a strong future for Beth El Temple. Such support is unique—while planned gifts often give something back to the giver, they also keep giving over decades and even generations, L’dor v’dor. It is only fitting that those who commit to such far-sighted support be recognized.
The Endowment Fund of Beth El Temple of West Hartford, Inc. Officers & Trustees
Abbey Miller Kreinik, President
Joshua B. Gottfried, Treasurer
Naomi Lerner Tussin, Secretary
Lois Koteen
Jerry Leshem
Tamara Kagan Levine
Elliott B. Pollack
Jerry Leshem
Tamara Kagan Levine
Elliott B. Pollack
Frank Resnick
Marc Sussman
Stuart Wachtel
Marc Sussman
Stuart Wachtel
Howard Weiner
If you would like to receive more information about Endowment, or have a
discussion with an Endowment Trustee, please contact the Temple office and
they will put you in touch with a Trustee or email: endowment@bethelwh.org.
discussion with an Endowment Trustee, please contact the Temple office and
they will put you in touch with a Trustee or email: endowment@bethelwh.org.
Tue, February 10 2026
23 Shevat 5786
Upcoming Events
All Events
-
Wednesday ,
FebFebruary 18 , 2026
Reading The Women of the Bible with Rabbi Rachel Zerin
Wednesday, Feb 18th 6:00p to 7:15p
Join Rabbi Rachel Zerin and Women's Network for an engaging class designed to explore the often-overlooked stories of women in the Hebrew Bible. Together, we’ll uncover their voices, examine their choices, and consider what their lives teach us today. Through discussion, learning, and shared reflection, this class offers a chance to connect more deeply with our tradition—and with one another. Note: Evening minyan begins at 5:30 pm (and please join us if you can!). Class will begin at approximately 6:00pm. -
Friday ,
FebFebruary 20 , 2026
Shababa
Friday, Feb 20th 5:30p to 7:00p
Shababa is a fun, engaging “service” for our youngest generation. All children ~8 and under (and their siblings, parents, and grandparents) are welcome to experience the joy of Shabbat with dancing, singing, stories, prayers and children's dinner. RSVP today! Sponsorship opportunities are available – for just $50 you can celebrate a child’s birthday by sponsoring a Shababa. To sponsor a dinner, please contact Dr. Eliyahu Krigel (ekrigel@bethelwh.org or 860-233-9696). -
Saturday ,
FebFebruary 21 , 2026
Exploring the Siddur: A deep dive into the language, meaning, music, and origins of our prayers
Shabbat, Feb 21st 5:00p to 6:30p
Back by popular demand, now expanded with a learner's service and Havdallah! Continuing from our successful summer series, we will meet once a month for a seudah shleesheet (third meal of Shabbat), and a chance to learn with our rabbis/educators about the prayers in our Siddur. New this winter, we are expanding this series to include a learner's Mincha service before, and an in-person havdallah service that will engage all the senses at the end! Adults and teens of all backgrounds are welcome to join; no prior knowledge of Hebrew or the Machzor is necessary. This program is part of the Adult B'nei Mitzvah Program. All are welcome to attend for part or all of the evening, whether or not you are part of the Adult B'nei Mitzvah program. Suggested donation for dinner is $10 per person per session or $40 for the entire series. Click in to register! -
Sunday ,
FebFebruary 22 , 2026
Making Hats for IDF Soldiers
Sunday, Feb 22nd 9:30a to 11:30a
Beth El Temple's KNITzvah and Women's Network invite you to join us to knit and crochet hats for IDF soldiers! These hats will be worn under soldiers' helmets to keep them warm. Knitters and crocheters of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Bring your own knitting needles or crochet hooks and yarn, or, if you don't have any, we will have extras available for your use. There will also be follow-up "drop in" sessions on Tuesday afternoons through March for those who want to enjoy good company and support as they work. We will provide patterns, assistance in getting started and snacks! Please join us to support these troops and let them know that we care! -
Monday ,
MarMarch 2 , 2026A Wicked Good Musical Purim Parody & Megillah Reading
Monday, Mar 2nd 5:30p to 8:30p
Put on your costume for Shababa (for the youngest among us), a festive community dinner (breakfast for dinner!), a Wicked Good Musical Purim Parody, and full Megillah reading! Click in for details!
Tue, February 10 2026 23 Shevat 5786
Contact Us
Beth El Temple
2626 Albany Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117
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Office Hours:
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Monday-Thursday: 8:30am - 4pm
Friday: 8:30am - 2:30pm
SULAM Beth El Educational Program:
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Upcoming Events
All Events
-
Wednesday ,
FebFebruary 18 , 2026
Reading The Women of the Bible with Rabbi Rachel Zerin
Wednesday, Feb 18th 6:00p to 7:15p
Join Rabbi Rachel Zerin and Women's Network for an engaging class designed to explore the often-overlooked stories of women in the Hebrew Bible. Together, we’ll uncover their voices, examine their choices, and consider what their lives teach us today. Through discussion, learning, and shared reflection, this class offers a chance to connect more deeply with our tradition—and with one another. Note: Evening minyan begins at 5:30 pm (and please join us if you can!). Class will begin at approximately 6:00pm. -
Friday ,
FebFebruary 20 , 2026
Shababa
Friday, Feb 20th 5:30p to 7:00p
Shababa is a fun, engaging “service” for our youngest generation. All children ~8 and under (and their siblings, parents, and grandparents) are welcome to experience the joy of Shabbat with dancing, singing, stories, prayers and children's dinner. RSVP today! Sponsorship opportunities are available – for just $50 you can celebrate a child’s birthday by sponsoring a Shababa. To sponsor a dinner, please contact Dr. Eliyahu Krigel (ekrigel@bethelwh.org or 860-233-9696). -
Saturday ,
FebFebruary 21 , 2026
Exploring the Siddur: A deep dive into the language, meaning, music, and origins of our prayers
Shabbat, Feb 21st 5:00p to 6:30p
Back by popular demand, now expanded with a learner's service and Havdallah! Continuing from our successful summer series, we will meet once a month for a seudah shleesheet (third meal of Shabbat), and a chance to learn with our rabbis/educators about the prayers in our Siddur. New this winter, we are expanding this series to include a learner's Mincha service before, and an in-person havdallah service that will engage all the senses at the end! Adults and teens of all backgrounds are welcome to join; no prior knowledge of Hebrew or the Machzor is necessary. This program is part of the Adult B'nei Mitzvah Program. All are welcome to attend for part or all of the evening, whether or not you are part of the Adult B'nei Mitzvah program. Suggested donation for dinner is $10 per person per session or $40 for the entire series. Click in to register! -
Sunday ,
FebFebruary 22 , 2026
Making Hats for IDF Soldiers
Sunday, Feb 22nd 9:30a to 11:30a
Beth El Temple's KNITzvah and Women's Network invite you to join us to knit and crochet hats for IDF soldiers! These hats will be worn under soldiers' helmets to keep them warm. Knitters and crocheters of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Bring your own knitting needles or crochet hooks and yarn, or, if you don't have any, we will have extras available for your use. There will also be follow-up "drop in" sessions on Tuesday afternoons through March for those who want to enjoy good company and support as they work. We will provide patterns, assistance in getting started and snacks! Please join us to support these troops and let them know that we care!
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