The Yom Kippur Appeal (YKA) is our annual fundraising campaign and Central’s main source of operating support beyond membership dues and tuition. It is only through the generosity of our donors that we can achieve our mission, hire and retain talented staff, provide world-class music, and uphold the highest standards of learning and worship. Central Synagogue has a global reach and impact, and your support helps us build a future in which Jewish values and beliefs are preserved and shared.

Your Support Makes Possible Central’s Worldwide Livestream

Whether being watched by a Central member unable to attend services due to illness, or by a participant on the other side of the globe, our livestreamed worship services are appreciated by tens of thousands of people each week. Your annual support of the Yom Kippur Appeal ensures that the beautiful singing, prayers, and messages from our bimah are the highest possible quality.

Your Support Makes Possible Jewish Continuity

Your support of Central’s Annual Yom Kippur Appeal helps to fund important initiatives such as the Center for Exploring Judaism, which welcomes anyone wishing to explore Jewish life. Couples and singles alike are invited to take courses, receive guidance and counseling, and join the community. Under the leadership of Rabbi Lisa Rubin, nearly 1,200 students have worked toward Jewish literacy and/or conversion, and together, those alumni have welcomed almost 275 babies into Jewish homes!

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Central Synagogue strives to be a spiritual home people here in New York, as well as thousands around the world who rely on us to provide the Jewish community they need. The innovation and creativity of our exceptional Clergy and staff ensure that our worship services and programs continue to inspire people. Support of our Yom Kippur Appeal will help Central continue to stand as a beacon of hope and positivity throughout the world.

YKA Fund Distribution

Upholding and strengthening the Reform Judaism movement and its values, and with approval from the Board of Trustees, Central distributes up to 1.8% of contributions from the Yom Kippur Appeal to organizations that support world Jewry, Israel, and pluralistic, progressive Judaism.

Here is a selected list of organizations we have supported through the Yom Kippur Appeal:  

Israel Movement for Progressive and Reform Judaism, the global arm of the URJ, progressive Jewish organizations and houses of worship like the Israel Religious Action Center, Shoham Reform Community, and Mevasseret Zion, and organizations supporting interdenominational education, such as Shalom Hartman Institute and Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies.