Honoring Beth El Temple’s Alan Schein

Becoming President of Beth El Temple enlightened Alan to the realities of financial situations of Jewish religious institutions in particular and Jewish non-profits in general. It reinforced his belief that a fully functioning endowment entity was necessary for Beth El. The existing endowment structure and investment of assets were reviewed. Also reviewed were the endowment's relationship to the financial plans of Beth El and how allocations were made to Beth El's operations.

An expanded and formal Endowment Board was established to meet on a regular basis and direct future investment strategy and growth. After interviewing represent-atives from several investment sources assets were reallocated including placing the largest percentage with the Jewish Community Foundation of Central Pennsylvania.

Placement was based on use of community Jewish financial institutions and advisors, diver-sification, and moderate to conservative in-vestment strategy. Despite the difficult years during the recent recession, the fund has now grown to over $2.7.

A more integrated and open relationship with the Beth El Board of Directors and congregants was established. This ensured that appropriate endowment support would be available and provided to Beth El and increased the visibility of the Endowment Fund. In addition to operational budget support, funds are available for specific programs such as summer camp scholarships. Printed mat-erial was also developed and monthly articles appeared concerning the endowment, its benefits and contributors.

Growth was given more emphasis with the establishment of the Angels Legacy Circle initiative with securing commitments of congregants to leave gifts in their wills. Beth El’s commitment to the Community wide legacy program will insure an expand-ed effort to secure continued future endowment funding. Alan is not only the current Chair of the Endowment Fund; in addition he is spearheading this community legacy effort for Beth El. Beth El is grateful for his efforts to insure the current financial and future security of Beth El.