HANNAH WECKER
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY THROUGH EMPLOYER MATCHING
For more than three decades, Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills has been the spiritual home of the Wecker family. From “Mommy and Me” to preschool, Hebrew School, the B’nai Mitzvah program, Shabbat and High Holy Day services, and countless community events, the temple has shaped their most meaningful memories.
Hannah reflects on those years with deep gratitude.
“Temple Emanuel has been our family’s spiritual home for over thirty years, and is an integral part of the countless memories we’ve created throughout that time,” she shares. “Our children were nurtured and given a tremendous appreciation for their Jewish heritage. Through all these shared experiences and involvement in various teen initiatives, they also learned the value of community and teamwork, and the mitzvah of tzedakah.”
The clergy have been present at every stage: from officiating the family’s Bat Mitzvahs and weddings to welcoming their granddaughter through a Hebrew baby-naming ceremony. They have also stood with the family during times of loss.
Hannah’s connection to Temple Emanuel extends beyond participation. Having served on the Board of Directors, she gained a firsthand understanding of the resources required to sustain a thriving congregation.
“That opportunity gave me insight into the numerous budgetary aspects of successfully running this institution that aren’t necessarily at the forefront of our thoughts when we participate in all that the temple offers us,” she explains. “These include the continually rising costs of insurance and security, among other expenses.”
Her longtime commitment to the temple also led her to explore ways to maximize the impact of her giving. When she learned that her employer offered an Employer Donor Match program, she chose to designate Temple Emanuel as her beneficiary.
“I know that Temple Emanuel’s congregants are part of a very generous community and supportive of many deserving fund-raising organizations,” Hannah says. “To the extent that any of our members have the opportunity to participate in an Employer Donor Match program, I would encourage them to consider designating Temple Emanuel as a recipient to maximize the impact of their personal donations and to help ensure the financial security of this wonderful institution. I’m grateful that my employer offers such a program and that I’ve been able to designate Temple Emanuel as a recipient for over two decades.”
Hannah’s story reminds us that matched giving is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to support our temple’s mission. Her dedication—and the doubled impact of her generosity—helps ensure that Temple Emanuel continues to thrive for generations to come.
To learn more about how you can support Temple Emanuel’s funds and/or programs, or for additional information, email Sara Hiner at [email protected] or call her at 310-409-4646.