Synagogue Tries To Shame Mel Gibson Into Giving Them Money?

A congregation [in Southern California], sent Mel a letter -- obtained by TMZ -- in which it is requesting big money from the actor to prevent foreclosure.

Now here's the shameful part. In a move resembling a dude accosting you for money at a gas station, the letter reads in part, "Our proposal to you, Mr. Gibson, is since you have been cited as an Anti-Semitic, and have denied those allegations, what better way to prove to all your fans and the nay Sayers -- than to endorse and help raise funds for our cause -- SOS, Save Our Synagogue."

We know Gibson has contributed a fortune to a bunch of L.A. charities, including $5 million to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center -- a Jewish hospital.