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Your Membership & Finances at Congregation B'nai Tzedek
The following information outlines some important points about your membership and financial support of the synagogue.
Congregation B’nai Tzedek can exist only with the support of our congregants. It is a hard reality that it takes a considerable amount of money to operate a synagogue. Our goal is to foster a thriving congregation with an appropriate structure of financial commitment that provides the funds necessary to sustain our synagogue. We rely on our members to be as generous as possible with their commitment, based on their ability to pay.
The financial support of our members ensures the synagogue can continuously:
- meet the spiritual needs of our congregants.
- offer comfort and support in times of need, celebration in times of joy.
- cultivate a love and understanding of Jewish faith and heritage through educational programs for children and adults.
- stimulate fellowship in the Congregation and the Jewish community
Your consideration of the following financial commitment, fees and pledge information will allow us to achieve these very important goals.
What financial commitment does the synagogue ask of you?
Our membership/fiscal year is from July 1 to June 30. Your annual minimum financial commitment is based on the following:
- A Membership component that is determined by your age and marital status. This Membership contribution helps cover some of the operating costs of our synagogue. (Additional synagogue fundraising activities and other kinds of donations are needed to supplement Membership contributions.)
- A Building component (either A or B)
A. A Building Fund Commitment of $2,000 which is paid within 5 years (Family category) or 10 years (Single and Young Married categories). This Building Fund Commitment is waived if you are over age 65 when you join CBT, and have previously completed a Building Pledge as a member of another synagogue. The Building Fund pays CBT’s mortgage and is used for capital items for our facility.
B. An Annual Building Fee (based on your age and marital status) once you have completed your Building Fund Commitment. This fee provides the funds for maintenance and upkeep of the building.
- Religious School Fees if you have a child enrolled in Religious School: Kindergarten through eighth grade, 10th grade Confirmation, and Post-Confirmation. (Ninth graders attend the Bureau of Jewish Education’s Adat Noar program).
Please see the schedule of fees below for amounts specific to you and your family.
What other fees and pledges might apply to you?
Ceremony Fees if you have a child becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or being Confirmed. These fees must be paid in full prior to the ceremony.
Circles of Tzedakah Commitment for those who are able to make a financial contribution that more accurately reflects their financial ability. To allow B'nai Tzedek to achieve its goals, many members pay dues above the basic level by choosing to participate in the Circles of Tzedakah. This very important support benefits our programs and services, and allows us to welcome all who desire membership in our synagogue.
What if you cannot afford the minimum financial commitment requested?
It is our practice to adjust the annual commitment for those members whose financial situation does not allow them to maintain membership without such an adjustment. A Request for Adjustment Form is included in the Membership Packet. Adjustments are granted for the current membership year only. Adjustments are not granted for Ceremony Fees. Adjustment Renewal forms (for the next membership year) are mailed in late spring/early summer. The synagogue Administrator will be happy to discuss any question, concern, or adjustment needs you may have. All such discussions are strictly confidential.
What must you pay to establish membership?
We ask that 30% of your financial commitment for this year be paid at the time you join. We are happy to work with you if that is not possible.
What if you join in the middle of the membership year?
If you decide to join B’nai Tzedek after the High Holy Days, your financial commitment for that year will be prorated. If you become a member of B’nai Tzedek after purchasing High Holy Day tickets from us, the cost of the tickets purchased that year will be credited to your account.
When is your annual financial commitment due?
Our membership/fiscal year begins July 1. You will receive a statement each month until your commitment is paid in full. The full balance is due no later than the following June 1. Many congregants pay their balance in full prior to the High Holy Days. Others find that paying in full by December 31 gives them certain tax benefits. You may also choose to make proportional monthly contributions. Please contact the Administrator if you wish to arrange some other payment plan.
How much must be paid in order for you to receive your High Holy Day Tickets or enroll your child in Religious School?
In order to receive High Holy Day tickets or enroll a child in Religious School, a member must be in good standing financially. This means that all prior years’ financial commitments have been paid in full, and that 25% of the current year’s commitment has been paid (July, August, and September), unless other arrangements have been made. If you have questions, concerns, or would like to make a special arrangement, please contact the synagogue Administrator.
Your questions and concerns are important. Please do not hesitate to contact the synagogue by calling (714) 963-4611, or send an e-mail to the Administrator.
MEMBERSHIP FINANCIAL COMMITMENT for July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010
| Membership Category |
Annual Amount |
| Family (Adult couple with or without children) |
$2335 |
| Single (One adult with or without children) |
$1300 |
| Young Adult Couple (Both under age 35, with or without children) |
First Year free |
| Young Adult Single (Under age 35, with or without children) |
First Year free |
| Senior Couple (Adult couple, one 65 years or older, with or without children) |
$1180 |
| Senior Single (One adult 65 years or older) |
$670 |
| Student (Full time student 0ver 35 and no full-time job) |
$325 |
BUILDING FUND COMMITMENT
There is a one time Building Fund Pledge of $2000. Families may pay this over 5 years; Single members may pay this over 10 years. Seniors are exempt from this pledge under certain circumstances.
Upon fulfillment of this pledge, members pay an Annual Building Fund assessment: $150 for Families, $75 for Singles and Seniors, $40 for Single Seniors.
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FEES for July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010
| Grade |
Class Days |
Annual Fee Per Child
|
| Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, 2, 3 |
Sunday |
$459 |
| 8, 9, & 10 |
Tuesday |
$459 |
| 4, 5, 6, 7 |
Twice a week: Sunday & Wednesday |
$676 |
| Confirmation class (10th) |
Tuesday |
$459 |
| Post-Confirmation |
Monthly with Rabbi Einstein |
$36 |
| Adat Noar (9th) |
As scheduled with Bureau of Jewish Education |
No fee to Congregation B’nai Tzedek |
Fees do not include books and materials
B’NAI MITZAH & CONFIRMATION CEREMONY FEES
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Friday Evening Ceremony $100
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Saturday Ceremony $650
Confirmation Ceremony $145 |
