Board has reached a decision about changes in overall kiddush strategy.
In response to dwindling (but unknown) supply of money coming into shul's coffers it has been decided to change the cost and structure of kiddush sponsorship. Instead of just sponsoring kiddush you can (have to) now sponsor an entire Shabbos. Of course this higher-level honor comes at a premium to previous less glorious kiddush sponsorship package.
Board was able however to keep the price increase to a minimum, by adding just $180 or 100% to the price of the existing package. The value difference however is immeasurable as summarized in the following table:
| Kiddush Only | Entire Shabbos sponsorship | |
|---|---|---|
| Length of Time | 1 hour | 25 hours |
| Mitzvas D'Oraisa | 0 | 1+ (there are many additional mitzvas from Torah that one can do in order to increase the value of your investment) |
| Zchus Points | Limited | All (there are opinions that observance of Shabbos is equivalent to observance of all mitzvos) |
As you can see new package offers a much better value.
It is said that tzedakah is the best tool to use in order to increase / secure one's income. Because of that it is a good news that economic slowdown has not impacted finances or reserves of the members of the shul B"H, just the shul itself. An old saying claims that "there is no atheist in the foxhole". Well apparently "foxhole" feeling has not reached the members of Heritage, otherwise the purse would be bursting at the seams.
Board as well does not anticipate economic impact at member's households, because of it did, they would try to maximize saving by curbing spending across-the-board: outlays from shul as well as outlays from members.
Tips on extracting the maximum value from new package:
- Try to do as many mitzvas on the Shabbos that you are sponsoring to get more out of it. Also try to encourage others to do mitzvas.
- Try to delay Seuda Shlishi as long as possible and cause shul to end Shabbos as late as possible, this will increase your value as the time of the mitzva increases.
- Try to peddle various honors to other member or people passing in front of the shul for money to recoup some or all costs, its your Shabbos.
- Ask everyone on the way home "How are you?" when they say "Good" reply, "I am glad to hear it, because today's Shabbos is sponsored by me"
On a serious note
Board could do better than the proposed change. A better multi-pronged approach would be to reduce costs of kiddush / Shabbos, in combination with a more modest increase in sponsorhip cost. This less drastic change could better be absorbed by community. Here is an example of what it could look like:
Non-sponsored configuration
- Default cholent to parve ($30 savings)
- Do away with cakes ($30 savings)
- Cheaper(est) disposable plates ($5 savings)
- No fruits / no cutting prep expense ($15 savings)
- Matzah only shalosh seudos ($25 savings)
Attach your name to kiddush: $220
Total Savings + increase in sponsorhip cost: $145
Sponsored configuration
same as above, however sponsor can improve the kiddush as follows:
- Adding meat or herring to cholent (actual cost + procurement cost)
- Any other imbelishments (subject to shul rules) actual cost
Soviet expatriots are more likely to react negatively to any change. A plan similar to the one above would minimize a chance of such resentment.
