Congregation Or Tzion is a multi-generational, highly participatory, family-friendly congregation.
We transform Jewish learning into Jewish living. Or Tzion is a place where fellow congregants become friends and friends become family.
Founded in 2014 following the merger of Congregation Or Chadash and Har Zion Congregation, Or Tzion instills the joys of Jewish tradition, observance, values, learning, and experience through religious services and educational and social programs for all age groups. We honor tradition, embrace innovation and provide all who enter our doors with a warm and welcoming environment.
Our emphasis on community is reflected in the strong partnership among our clergy, lay leaders and congregants. We encourage active volunteerism and informed decision-making guided by our Jewish values. We connect with one another by performing mitzvot that enhance the physical, spiritual and social lives of our members, our local community, the nation, Israel and the world.
Or Tzion is investing in our future in order to be a strong, Conservative synagogue presence in the North Scottsdale/Phoenix area. In 2017 we moved into our permanent home, offering space for services, programs, and activities for all ages. And, in 2015, we, along with the 11 other local participating organizations, were selected by the Jewish Community Foundation in partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, to participate in the LIFE & LEGACY™ program, a national program that motivates Jewish organizations to secure legacy gifts, steward donors and integrate legacy giving into the charitable culture of the Jewish community. As we enter year five of this effort, we are so pleased to have 65 Founders of our L’dor Vador Society (LVS) who have established legacy gifts to Or Tzion. During each year of the LIFE & LEGACY program we successfully achieved specific goals – earning a total of $30,000 in incentive grants that went into Or Tzion’s operations today as well as securing commitments of over $1 million in estimated future gifts (after lifetime) that once realized will be placed into our endowment fund at the Jewish Community Foundation. In 20-30 years we will know that each year a grant will come out of that fund to supplement operating expenses, allowing Or Tzion to continuing thriving many years into the future.
We have established a culture of legacy giving at Or Tzion, recognizing and stewarding our LVS members, establishing a standing committee of the Board to ensure ongoing solicitation and stewardship of those who commit to ensuring a strong Or Tzion into the future and creating policies that reinforce wise use of those funds.
Our L’dor Vador Society members are individuals just like you; individuals who want Congregation Or Tzion to be a congregational “family” home for future generations. The process is simple – it begins with a conversation. And it does not need to cost anything NOW. A Legacy gift is one that is part of your estate plan. You may leave a donation to Or Tzion in your will, designate Or Tzion as one of the beneficiaries in your retirement plan or if you prefer, make a cash gift at any time.
The LVS Team is trying to reach out personally to as many as possible, but please, don’t wait – reach out to us. Call or email a team member or the synagogue and we will contact you as soon as possible.
L’dor Vador Society members have made clear their commitment to a flourishing and secure congregational future for generations to come. We hope you will join the effort.
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Click Here for our Declaration of Commitment Form. Please download it and take a look.
Click Here for information about different types of Legacy Gifts.
Click Here for our Formalization Form. Please act on your commitment and complete this document, ensuring your legacy is carried out as you intended it.
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Please join in making Congregation Or Tzion a part of your legacy!
Linda Moskowitz, Chair
Fredi Brown, Carrol Gottfried, Cheryl Hammerman, Neal Kurn, Hana Lange, Marcia Weisberg
