Hurricane Relief Fund
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United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism's Hurricane Relief Fund has made substantial contributions toward the relocation of some of Hurricane Katrina's many displaced victims. Now we are starting to look at ways to help rebuild.

Shir Chadash, the Conservative synagogue in Metairie, Louisiana, has started to repair its building. United Synagogue, with the support of the Rabbinical Assembly and the Woman's League for Conservative Judaism, has pledged major sums from the Hurricane Relief Fund to help that effort.

The congregation at Beth Israel in Biloxi, Mississippi, does not yet know what it will do. Congregants are considering whether they can rebuild the building, whether they want to rebuild the building, and if they decide to relocate, where they should build a new one. We have pledged the same sum to Beth Israel as to Shir Chadash, although Beth Israel is not yet ready to draw on those funds.

We are still waiting to learn about the needs of the two Florida congregations that were affected by Hurricane Wilma, and we are reserving a significant portion of the Relief Fund for them.

We have raised a substantial amount of money through the generosity of people like you. Nevertheless, it is highly likely that the uninsured needs of the hurricane-hit congregations will far exceed that amount.

The needs of the general community, particularly in and around New Orleans, are almost incomprehensibly large. As you probably know from news reports, once the levees are rebuilt it will take huge sums of money to rebuild the city. We plan to dedicate a portion of the Relief Fund to these rebuilding efforts.

The overall need is still great. The rebuilding effort needs far more money that has been collected. The Hurricane Relief Fund remains open, and we continue to receive checks. Any contribution you can make as part of your year end planning will be greatly appreciated.

To donate to United Synagogue's Hurricane Relief Fund, send a check, payable to USCJ, to USCJ Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund; 121 Congressional Lane; Suite 210; Rockville, MD 20852; in the memo section mark that the donation is for the Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund. To reduce administrative costs, we will not send an acknowledgement unless you request it. To donate on line, click here; please note that Network for Good, the company that processes our credit card orders, subtracts a 3 percent processing fee.

United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism is a not-for-profit organization with 501(c) 3 status. Contributions to United Synagogue are eligible as charitable deductions to a public charity. Material contained in this website is for informational and tax purposes onlyand should not be construed as legal or other tax advice.

Dr. Richard Lederman
Director of Social Action/Public Policy
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism