1. Pardess Chabad was established as a branch of the international Chabad network in July 2014 by Rabbi Zalman and Goldy Sandhaus. With just a few thousand dollars in seed funding, they embarked on the ambitious task of connecting with the local Jewish population and building the vibrant community that exists today.
Pardess does not have membership dues, all are welcome, and is entirely funded by the generous donations of people like yourself. Although Pardess is part of the international Chabad network, it operates independently. We do not receive funding from, nor do we pay dues to, Chabad headquarters. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Pardess is solely responsible for raising the funds necessary to cover its annual budget and day-to-day operations.
2. Pardess has an annual operating budget of $300,000, which means we need to raise $25,000 each month. This budget covers a wide range of expenses, including: events and holiday programs; mortgages, utilities, supplies, Hebrew school, social services, financial assistance, marketing, publications, Shabbat services, the Rabbi and Rebbetzin’s salary, property maintenance, farm animal food and vet expenses, administrative costs, and much more.
3. What sets Pardess apart from many other non-profits is that the funds donated go directly to serving the community with minimal overhead and salaries compared to other organizations. Rabbi Zalman and Goldy handle nearly all of the operational tasks themselves and are 110% committed to sustaining and growing the community. In short, you get more “bang for your buck” because –as they say- we have “more skin in the game”.
4. One of the things that makes Pardess so unique is the community that we build outside of the events that we host. In addition to the many individuals, families and children who attend our programs, there are countless families and individuals who maintain a connection to their Jewish roots through our visits to their homes, offices, and check-ins by phone and email. The relationships we build outside of our programming allows people to celebrate their heritage in their own comfort zone and provides Jewish friendship and support for those who don’t attend group programming.
5. As an organization that is networked with many people, businesses, and government officials, our ability to help people extends way beyond our officially offered services.
There may be days or seasons when, to the outsider, Pardess Chabad seems to be quiet. Know that we are here, available to help individuals with personal needs. We are visiting the ill in their final moments, arranging Jewish burials, supporting individuals and families through challenging times, and providing friendship and a listening ear, as the needs arise.
6. Where does our cash flow come from? While our end of year campaign, programs sponsorships, and sporadic donations are crucial to keep us alive, what gives us peace of mind and steady cash flow are our Chai Club partners. This club is made up of generous people who donate on a recurring monthly basis in increments of chai (18), for example: $1800 a year at $150 per month, or $432 per year, at $36 a month.