CCAR RESPONSA
New American Reform Responsa
245. Gift Shop and Advertising
QUESTION: May a synagogue gift shop advertise in the communal Jewish paper? Is it appropriate to increase income in this manner or does this provide unfair competition to the communal merchants? (Doris Applebaum, New York NY)ANSWER: Synagogues have used many different methods to raise funds for the congregation. It has always been considered obligatory for everyone in the community to support the synagogue as was done with the ancient Temple (Ex 30.11 ff; W. Jacob Contemprary American Reform Responsa # 139, 151). We have avoided methods which were distasteful or interrupted the service like the sale of Torah honors (Ibid 150) and gambling (Ibid 160). A wide variety of other methods have been used in modern times; some bulletins contain advertising; program booklets have regularly been prepared; donor dinners have been used, etc. Most of these methods have addressed themselves to the synagogue community. The advertising proposed would bring the effort into the broader community which would be appropriate if a special need is met. If the gift shop wishes to make the community aware of its Judaica items or Jewish books which may not be available elsewhere, then it would serve a broader purpose. If the shop proposes to deal with general merchandise, then it would not be appropriate as the non-profit status of the synagogue provides unfair competition. This path may endanger the non-profit status of the gift corner. Even if that does not occur, it would not be ethical to compete in this manner.August 1989
If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.