CCAR RESPONSA
New American Reform Responsa
42. Advertising and Congregational Fund Raising
QUESTION: A catering business has suggested that a portion of its profits would go to the congregation whenever congregants use its services. The caterer would like to mention this in his advertisement. Would this be appropriate? May the congregational bulletins advertise special discounts to members of the congregation? (Rabbi Jonathan S. Woll, Hagerstown MD)ANSWER: Many methods of fund raising for congregational and charitable purposes have been used through our long history. It is, of course, most desirable to support a congregation through direct donations and charitable giving has been emphasized by Judaism through the ages (W. Jacob Contemporary American Reform Responsa #139, 151). However, simple generosity has often not met our needs and therefore other methods have been used. Gambling in various guises has been suggested, but we have opposed it (W. Jacob (ed) American Reform Responsa #167). We have also frowned the sale of tickets for the High Holidays (W. Jacob Contemporary American Reform Responsa #150) and reject raising funds through the sale of synagogue honors (Ibid). Advertisements in fund raising programs or in synagogue bulletins are a matter of taste rather than halakhah, as nothing wrong or immoral is implied. As the bulletin or program is available to competitors, no endorsement or restriction of trade is involved. In other words, a service is purchased by the advertiser and the synagogue benefits. As the advertiser cannot afford to make an outright donation or does not wish to do so, this provides revenue for the congregation. An advertisement which is in good taste and is acceptable. As everything connected with the synagogue contains an element of the sacred, we should be careful. Now let us turn to the question of gifts to the congregation from a caterer used by members of the congregation. This presents a combination of advertisement and a gift. It is not appropriate as it may lead into the gray area of unfair competition and the offer of “kickbacks.” When we compare advertisements with some other widely used methods of fund-raising they are, if controlled and kept in good taste, acceptable. It is, of course, preferable to obtain funds through charitable contributions and anonymous gifts.July 1988
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