Beth Israel Congregation - Membership

Using the following table, we ask you assess yourself on the basis of your household income. Your Fair Share contribution, based on your ability to pay, helps to maintain the quality of our congregation's many activities, and is fully tax deductible. Our synagogue community is the bedrock on which a meaningful Jewish identity is founded, celebrated, and passed on to the next generation.

If you feel this dues schedule is unduly burdensome, or if you have other concerns, we ask you to call the Executive Director, Elliot Sorkin at(734) 665-9897.

These dues cover all basic synagogue activities, including attendance at High Holy Day services. School tuition is separate. The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism dues are an additional, non-voluntary assessment. It is deducted from the first dues payment.

New members who are 35 years old or younger, may aquire membership in their first year for dues of only $300. All new members who join in April, May or June, 2010 will receive membership through June 30, 2011, including the 2010 High Holidays.

Your Household Income Suggested
Dues Pledge
for Beth Israel
Congregation
(2%) Required
United
Synagogue
Dues

<$10,000 - $20,000 as able and up to $225 *

$21,000 - $30,000 $420-$600 **

$31,000-$40,000 $620 - $800 + $69.50

$41,000-$50,000 $820 - $1,000 + $69.50

$51,000-$60,000 $1,020 - $1,200 + $69.50

$61,000-$80,000 $1,220 - $1,600 + $69.50

$81,000-$100,000 $1,620 - $2,000 + $69.50

$101,000-$125,000 $2,020 - $2,500 + $69.50

$126,000-$150,000 $2,520 - $3,000 + $69.50

$151,000-$175,000 $3,020 - $3,500 + $69.50

$176,000-$200,000 $3,520 - $4,000 + $69.50

$201,000-$225,000 $4,020 - $4,500 + $69.50

$226,000-$250,000 $4,520 - $5,000 + $69.50

$251,000-$275,000 $5,020 - $5,500 + $69.50

$276,000-$300,000+ $5,520 - $6,000+ + $69.50

* No United Synagogue dues are assessed for BIC dues pledges up to $190.

** $34.75 United Synagogue dues are assessed for BIC dues pledges from $190-$499; Deducted from first payment.
$69.50 United Synagogue dues are assessed for BIC dues pledges of $500+. Deducted from first payment.

II. Building Fund Assessment: a $2,000 assessment is payable starting in the second year of membership. Payment may be made in installments over ten years, depending on circumstances, or as a single lump sum payment of $1,600 during the second year of membership.

III. Religious School Registration Fee per Child per Year (2009 - 2010)*

K - 1 $558

2 $634

3 - 5 $709

6 $809 (includes offsite retreat)

7^th grade $634

8^th grade $558

9 - 12 (Madrichim Program) $300

*Third child is ½ of third highest tuition, fourth child, lowest tuition is free.

DUES, FEES, ASSESSMENTS AND FUND DONATIONS

The Beth Israel Fiscal Year

The synagogue fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 30. Congregants may pay their dues in a lump sum, on a quarterly basis, or monthly. Statements are sent out November (2nd quarter) February (3rd quarter) and May (4th quarter). An initial payment must accompany the pledge form. All pledges must be paid in full by June 30.

Dues

These fees support the actual synagogue operations for the current year, including Rabbinic, administrative, office and maintenance staff, upkeep of the facilities, the religious school operation not covered by school fees, religious ritual items, Hashaliach, and mailings, among other things. In addition, a portion of dues income is put aside in reserve accounts for specific future expenses.

Building Fund

The Building fund is assessed automatically to all members and is billed on a quarterly basis to all members who have not completed their obligation. Members are asked to submit at least $50 each quarter. The Building Fund supports major facility upgrades and improvements not covered in the annual budget. This may include roofing, heating/airconditioning repair, repainting, planning costs, and other large ticket items.

United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Dues

The United Synagogue supports the efforts of individual synagogues in adult and youth programming and continuing education. The United Synagogue offers national training programs for synagogue board and lay leadership, national and regional youth programs, and a variety of programs for youth and adults in Israel. Congregants are assessed a certain fee based on the number of members and their dues. About 43% of the funds are used by the regional office of United Synagogue.

The Synagogue Funds

Dues cover only the minimal annual costs, and do not include the full costs of running a synagogue. Contributions to the various Funds enable the Synagogue help us go from adequate to excellent. Charitable donations underwrite adult educational programs and youth activities, provide for scholarships for the Religious School and educational trips to Israel, help the indigent, and provide for cemetery landscaping, among other worthy projects. They also can be designated to purchase a variety of important items such as additional prayer books, flowers, books for the library, and kitchen equipment.

Please consider making frequent donations to our Synagogue's funds in an area of your interest.

Follow this link to a printable version of the membership dues pledge form.

Please print it, fill it out, and send it to the Beth Israel office.

Follow this link to a printable version of the Membership Information Form

New members: please print it, fill it out, and enclose it with your pledge form.

Please send comments or suggestions to The Beth Israel Webmaster.