Congregation Shearith Israel

Shearith Israel has served the spiritual and life-cycle needs of in-town Jewish Atlanta for over 100 years — including 50 years at the present location in the Morningside neighborhood. Shearith has evolved from its Traditional roots to become an egalitarian Conservative congregation, yet has never lost its intimate feel, warm culture, and overall sense of community. Under the spirited leadership of Rabbi Hillel Norry, Shearith has once again attracted members of all ages, so that, Dor V’Dor, our congregation can sustain itself from generation to generation.

With over 400 members, Shearith offers a wide array of services, programs, and opportunities. This menu includes both traditional, and unusual, avenues for participation and spiritual nourishment:

• Weekly services that emphasize lay participation and community prayer;
• Twice-daily egalitarian minyon, and training for those who wish to participate more fully;
• Inspirational and innovative holiday and festival observance;
• The full array of life-cycle events and activities for member families;
• A Sunday School serving roughly 100 children;
• Adult education opportunities throughout the year;
• The first women’s night shelter in Atlanta, and still needed after 25 years;
• A community of caring, thoughtful members ready to help families in crisis.

As members, we share an obligation to support Shearith’s operations and long-term viability. Whether we attend daily minyon, or visit Shearith more sporadically, we are part of a community that responds to each family’s spiritual needs, and changing circumstances. The health of the congregation depends upon the well-being of every member, and vice-versa. Through dues, special levies, an annual appeal, etc, we sustain Shearith year by year. Still, financial challenges persist.

As our congregation grows, and our physical plant ages, Shearith faces continuing financial stress. Blessed with a small endowment to absorb unusual expenses, Shearith has been able to endure numerous financial setbacks. Today, that endowment simply isn’t sufficient to support the needs of the congregation. Thus, we have joined Create a Jewish Legacy, a new program sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Through the Legacy program, we are asking our board, congregants, and loyal patrons to consider planned gifts to Shearith’s endowment.

To safeguard endowment gifts, the Board has established a policy where all gifts of greater than $5000 will be housed in a permanent endowment, under the governance of an independent advisory board, and professionally managed for consistent results. The endowment will provide funding to the congregation via a 5% annual payout, determined by year-end asset levels. For gifts greater than $50,000, the congregation will reserve naming rights, special recognition, and special programs as desired by donor families.

We hope our Shearith community will embrace this long-term solution for solidifying our shul’s finances and sustainability. As the endowment grows, there will be less pressure for dues increases, special assessments, and one-time appeals. Importantly, our members can provide a legacy of financial stability for future generations, and allow our Shearith community to thrive.

Create a Jewish Legacy is an initiative of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta to build a strong, vibrant community, now and in the future with bequests for permanent endowments. It promotes the message that all of us, regardless of age, wealth, or affiliation, have the ability to make a difference for future Jewish generations. As the central umbrella organization for Jewish Atlanta, it makes sense for Federation to lead this program on behalf of the entire community.
Learn more about Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.