In Dnepropetrovsk (Ukraine), the ‘Golden Rose’ Shul, has introduced an innovative idea aimed at promoting the mitzvah of giving Tzedaka. In its entrance hall now stands an automated machine, which enables congregants and visitors to donate funds for charitable purposes by transferring funds from their credit or debit cards to the Jewish community of Dnepropetrovsk – a member of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine.
While tzedaka collection boxes are a familiar site in Shul’s, this technology takes advantage of the fact that people tend to use such machines more frequently and to carry little cash with them. Now such visitors will be able to make a contribution to community programs, thanks to support from the major Ukrainian bank ‘Privatbank’. Accordingly called the ‘Tzdakamat’, this pioneering machine operates similar to regular ABMs but with the added advantage of being tailored especially to the community’s needs. For instance, one may insert his bank card, choose a community program or project, indicate the appropriate sum, the funds are transferred, after which one receives a thank you message and receipt.
The ‘Tzdakamat’ also takes cash, which may be deposited directly into the machine, though so far it only receives donations in Ukraine’s currency. “Today plastic cards are widely used by pensioners, students, housewives and business persons alike,” commented Vladimir Gershengorn, a congregant of the ‘Golden Rose’ Synagogue. “Now it is no longer necessary to withdraw cash from a separate ABM to make a donation.” Community Director Vyacheslav Brez noted that such devices may soon be active in other institutions operated by the Jewish community of Dnepropetrovsk.
While it was previously possible to make donations to the Jewish community through ‘Privatbank’, such possibilities are not much wider through this latest development. Through any of its bank machines, it is also possible to make donations to assist victims of natural and technological disasters, to help sick children, etc. In the near future, all ‘Privatbank’ ABMs will also offer the possibility of transferring funds to the ‘Memorial Foundation of Catastrophes in Ukraine and the CIS’ and the ‘Yad Vashem’ Memorial in Israel.
(Source: FJC)
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2 Responses
Any mosdos in USA using this yet? If so, I’d bet people give more via this method than regular methods, b/c it is taking advantage of the consumer “credit card” mentality. Nothing wrong w/ that.
Great Idea. We need to introduce this in shuls. I know when I come in Sunday morning with barely $2 on me, if that much, I remember my aliyah from Shabbos, but well… have to wait..
If this were there, I could take care of my obligations easily.
Though, now, all I need to do is just tell the Rov, “Rabbi, charge yesterday’s aliya to my credit card on file.” That works too. But this system sounds great.