The Jewish new year is nearly here. Chances are great that your charity has Jewish volunteers and donors. But how do you find them? And how do you properly wish them a good new year?
The Jewish new year is comprised of two holidays - Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashana occurs first and is a two-day holiday in North America. Rosh Hashana is a joyous holiday and often includes family meals. Rosh Hashana kicks off the ten days of awe when Jews are supposed to consider their deeds over the last year and repent. This can include personal apologies and donations to charity.
A great way to acknowledge your Jewish supporters is to wish them "L'Shana Tova" In English, this is often followed with "May you have a happy, sweet and healthy New Year." Common images for this celebration are apples and honey.
And now a word about spelling. The traditional language of Judaism is Hebrew. There is more than one way to transfer a Hebrew word into English. So you may see Rosh Hashana, Rosh Hashanah, or Rosh Hashanna. So if you are wondering "which is the right spelling," worry no more. There is no single correct English version and no one is generally all that picky about how Hebrew is spelled in English.
Jewish New Years cards are available in most places that carry birthday and other occasion cards. Send your card before Rosh Hashana. Not sure when is Rosh Hashana (it changes each year because the Jewish calendar is lunar)? Check here
Yom Kippur concludes the celebration of the New Year. It is a time for fasting and repentance. If you missed the boat and din't think of sending a card yet, Yom Kippur is too late.
How do you find out who your Jewish supporters are? A donor or volunteer may tell you they are Jewish - for example, if they are wearing a Star of David necklace, they are likely Jewish. If they mention going to synagogue, they are likely Jewish.
There are other, more subtle ways that a donor may self-identify as Jewish. The number 18 in Hebrew also means "life" so it is customary to give gifts in multiples of $18. Run a report on your database of donors who have given a gift of $18, $36, $180, $360, $1800, $3600. By their giving behaviour, they are identifying themselves to you as likely Jewish.
With these tips you can build a custom list of volunteers and donors to wish a happy, sweet new year. And from me to you - L'shana tova | may you and your family have a happy, sweet, healthy new year.
Ann Rosenfield works in the Jewish community. She notes that in Jewish tradition, there are always two ideas and three opinions. I encourage my fellow Jews to add their thoughts and corrections in the comments below.
