For generations, Congregation Beth Judea has been a place where spirit, tradition, and community thrive together.
Today, we stand at a crossroads: to honor our past, sustain our present, and build a vibrant future for the generations yet to come.
Campaign Eit-Ratzon is our shared commitment to renewing and revitalizing our beloved synagogue, ensuring it remains the vibrant heart of our community for generations to come. Rooted in the meaning of Ratzon—”will” or “desire” in Hebrew—this campaign reflects our collective determination to invest in the future of our congregation and continuity of the Jewish people in the NW suburbs of Chicago.
Guided by the spirit of tradition and need for connection, the goal of Eit-Ratzon is to raise the necessary funds to physically and meaningfully maintain Congregation Beth Judea as a welcoming spiritual home that inspires personal growth, fosters meaningful communal relationships, and supports lifelong Jewish learning. By investing in critical infrastructure needs, modernizing our facilities, and eliminating financial barriers, we will secure our future as a thriving and enduring community.
Time has left its mark. Our home needs care. A 2022 Reserve Study revealed a funding gap of nearly $2.5 million for critical infrastructure and modernization of our Synagogue. Our synagogue’s needs are immediate, and the potential impact is far-reaching.
We need to update, modernize, and improve our facilities to ensure that we can continue to serve our growing community and meet the needs of future generations.
With deep appreciation to our growing list of donors , your generous contributions enables Congregation Beth Judea to make needed improvements to our building, pay off our mortgage,and strengthen our endowment
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We invite every member of our community to play a role in shaping this vision.
Your support — large or small — is a testament to your love for our congregation and your hope for its future.
We offer flexible pledge options
Donors who make a gift of $36,000 or more will be offered an 18 year naming opportunity with priority given to the largest campaign donors.
The following areas of Congregation Beth Judea are available for naming. Physical areas of the building will be recognized with personalized signage near the named area in perpetuity.
Area of Synagogue | Minimum Donation $ |
Campus | $2,500,000 |
Hebrew School (no longer available) | $1,000,000 |
Social Hall | $300,000 |
Rabbi’s Study (no longer available) | $100,000 |
Foyer | $250,000 |
Gift Shop | $75,000 |
Main Office | $125,000 |
Conference Room | $72,000 |
Cantor’s Study | $54,000 |
Executive Director’s Office | $54,000 |
Classrooms | $36,000 plus (each) |
Atrium (in Social Hall) | $50,000 |
Our synagogue is more than a building — it is a living expression of our shared values and dreams.
Together, through Campaign Eit-Ratzon, we ensure that our spiritual home will remain a place of joy, comfort, and renewal for generations to come.
Eit-Ratzon Campaign is being led by:
Campaign Co-Chairs
Campaign Committee
Lisa Neiman, Executive Director
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.
For more information about the campaign, please contact Executive Director
Lisa Neiman at LNeiman@bethjudea.org or reach out to one of our campaign chairs at
Eit-Ratzon@bethjudea.org
At the direction of CBJ’s Board of Directors, a comprehensive Reserve Study was completed in May 2022. That study revealed that our current reserves (approximately $200,000) fall far short of the projected $1.5 million needed to maintain and replace critical elements of our building.
The time for action is now. Our building, the physical expression of our tradition and the emotional anchor for our community requires essential updates, renovations, and long-deferred maintenance. Like our homes, these needs grow with time and use.
Campaign Eit-Ratzon is a time-limited, community-wide effort to ensure that CBJ remains strong for generations. Funds raised will address urgent capital needs, payoff our mortgage, and add funds to our endowment.
Every dollar raised supports three key areas:
Unfortunately, no. Like many synagogues, CBJ’s annual dues and Building Fund (CAT) payments are not enough to cover the reserve study needs.
An endowment is like a savings account for the future: the principal is invested and preserved, and a portion of the earnings helps cover ongoing costs — in this case, the upkeep of our facilities. CBJ’s endowments are overseen by our Investment and Finance Committees to balance growth, safety, and steady support for our mission.
A reserve study is a detailed planning tool that assesses the condition of major facility components and projects when repairs or replacements will be needed. This ensures we have a clear roadmap for maintaining CBJ’s building, both practically and financially, protecting our spiritual home for years to come.
Eit-Ratzon is a special, time-limited capital campaign focused on critical building needs and our endowment. It is separate from CBJ’s annual fundraising, which supports daily operations, worship, education, and programming. We hope every congregant will continue supporting our annual fund even as they contribute to Eit-Ratzon.
All campaign expenses are covered within the funds raised for Eit-Ratzon and will not impact CBJ’s operating budget.
We want every CBJ family to know about this effort, understand its urgency, and have the chance to contribute. Our Board, clergy, and senior leadership have all made personal commitments to Eit-Ratzon, demonstrating the deep commitment to our synagogue’s future.
Your pledge is a personal decision. We hope each gift will be thoughtful, caring, and meaningful to you. Every contribution — no matter the size — brings us closer to our goal. Our strength comes from all of us participating together.
You may make a one-time gift or a multi-year commitment. Contributions can be fulfilled by:
Yes. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. CBJ will provide annual giving statements for tax purposes.
Unless you request anonymity, your name will be acknowledged in CBJ publications and on our website and in other ways. Naming opportunities are available for gifts starting at $36,000
Me’ah Fund:
Capital Assets Trust Fund (CAT Fund):
Project 613 was launched to reduce Hebrew School tuition and strengthen engagement among CBJ’s young families — making Jewish education more accessible for all. It has already increased religious school enrollment and youth participation, but it does not address our building’s significant capital needs.
In addition to making your own pledge, you can be an ambassador for Eit-Ratzon: host a parlor meeting, spread the word to friends, or help us reach new supporters. Please let us know if you’d like to get involved!
For any questions or to discuss your pledge, please reach out to Lisa Neiman at LNeiman@bethjudea.org or reach out to one of our campaign chairs at
Eit-Ratzon@bethjudea.org