SNYDER FAMILY’S LEAD GIFT HIGHLIGHTS
RECORD-BREAKING ANNUAL APPEAL

Beth El Congregation is about to conclude its most successful Annual Appeal in history. During the 2009-2010 Appeal, through the generous support or over 1100 families, over $400,000 was pledged to ensure a myriad of continuing needs, services and programming so vital to the well being of our synagogue.

The lead gift in this year’s appeal, the one that took Beth El over its goal, was from longtime congregants Julia and Steve Snyder. The Snyder family, which has been associated with Beth El for 50 years, and has celebrated generations of simchas here, was happy to step forward and put this year’s Annual Appeal over the goal. A yearly contributor to the Appeal, the Snyders were not originally looking at their gift as anything out of the ordinary. Once the Annual Appeal committee mentioned that the goal was in sight, the Snyders stepped up and made it a reality.

“I was close with Rabbi Loeb z”l, and am very close with Rabbi Schwartz and Cantor King. Beth El has been my congregation for close to 50 years and I am honored to help out however possible,” remarked Steve Snyder. This was not the first gift that Beth El has received from the Snyder family. Three years ago a new Torah was dedicated to Beth El by them, and they have been involved with one of Rabbi Loeb’s z”l favorite charities, MAZON, for years. But the gift that they gave this year to Beth El is one that is special in many ways.

“I feel lucky to work for a congregation like Beth El, one in which members are so supportive even in these times of economic hardship,” remarked Rabbi Steven Schwartz. “Through the generosity of the Snyders and all of the other participating families, we are able to keep a shul a shul. We are able to continue offering everything that a shul should be able to offer its community.”

“Special thanks to Erv Sekulow, my cochairs, Robert Slatkin and Arnold Fruman, the Annual Appeal committee and the many volunteers who made it happen,” said Ailene Sher, Beth El’s Director of Development.

Arnold Fruman added, “Both Robert and myself are extremely proud to be associated with such a successful venture to benefit our congregation. The Annual Appeal is vital to the congregation in supporting programming, and recognizing the needs of those members not quite as fortunate. Rabbi Loeb z”l used to remark that Beth El was the one of the finest conservative congregations in the United States. This year’s annual appeal is one of the best examples why.”