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Congregation B'nai Jeshurun

Membership Information 5770 (2009-2010)

Thank you for your support of and interest in Congregation B'nai Jeshurun. We look forward to your active involvement in our vibrant community.

Please review the following information carefully before proceeding to the membership application!

Types of Membership

Membership is open to any person of the Jewish faith and his/her spouse/partner. Membership is for a one-year period, beginning July 1, 2009 and ending on June 30, 2010. Members choose one of the following membership categories:

  • Individual. Single member without children.

  • Family. Married couple or two individuals living together in a partnered relationship, with or without children; single parents with children who wish to be informed of or included in children or family events.

  • Full-time Student. Individual pursuing an undergraduate or post-graduate degree.

  • BJ Friend. For those living outside of the tri-state area or beyond commuting distance from the synagogue.

  • New Family/Individual 20-29. For first-time members ages 20-29 and renewing members who joined at this rate last year.

The B'nai Jeshurun Dues Plan

As part of our obligation to create a kehillah kedoshah - a holy community - we each must assume the responsibility of meeting the financial requirements of our synagogue. The Fair Share Dues System allows members to pay their dues based on their household income. You are not asked to disclose your income, but only to accept those dues which are justly applicable to you. No financial documents are required. Rather, we ask that each member pledge as honestly and as accurately as possible. All financial information is treated confidentially. No adjustments will be made due to membership in other synagogues.

We understand that many in our community continue to experience challenging times and the Membership Department strives to accommodate members' financial situations. Please do not hesitate to contact the Membership Department to discuss dues or payment plans. As our policy has always stated, no one will be turned away due to financial considerations.
 

Congregation B'nai Jeshurun Membership Dues 2009-2010
 
Annual Income / Membership Type Individual Family
Full Time Student $150 N/A
BJ Friend $350 N/A
$0-30,000 $460 $575
$31,000-40,000 $660 $760
$41,000-50,000 $815 $980
$51,000-60,000 $980 $1185
$61,000-70,000 $1145 $1390
$71,000-85,000 $1390 $1650
$86,000-100,000 $1600 $1960
$101,000-125,000 $2010 $2420
$126,000-150,000 $2420 $2910
$151,000-$200,000 $3100 $3600
$201,000+ $3980 $4770

 
Special Introductory Rate for first-time BJ members ages 20-29
with an annual income of less than $75,000. If you are in a comfortable
financial position, we recommend that you pay the Fair Share Dues.
Annual Income / Membership Type Individual 20-29 Family 20-29
Year 1 (New Members Only) $180 $360
Year 2 (Renewing members who joined last year) $180 $360
Year 3 begin paying Fair Share Dues begin paying Fair Share Dues


Entrance Cards for the High Holy Days

Membership in the synagogue (except for the BJ Friend membership) includes entrance cards to the High Holy Day services.

2009 Adult High Holy Day services will be held at:
SPSA 86th Street (The Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew at 86th Street and West End Avenue)
96th Street (Crenshaw Christian Center East at 96th Street and Central Park West)

2009 Family services will be held at:
88th Street (BJ Sanctuary at 257 West 88th Street)

Members may choose Entrance Cards* for:

  • SPSA 86th Street
  • 96th Street, with 2nd day Rosh Hashanah at 88th Street
  • 96th Street, with 2nd day Rosh Hashanah at 86th Street
If you attend the first day of Rosh Hashanah at 96th Street, you can choose to attend the second day at 88th Street or 86th Street. If you choose to attend services at 86th Street SPSA, you will be there both days of Rosh Hashanah. Locations are assigned on a first-come first-served basis.

*Entrance cards are required for admission to all services, including Family Services. All three types of entrance cards will be accepted at the Family Service. Click here for a detailed schedule of all service times and locations.

Information for New Members

Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of our living, thriving community. The simple act of joining BJ is transformative. It is an acknowledgement that BJ is your community, its rabbis are your rabbis, and its sanctuary is your space.

Membership at B'nai Jeshurun includes:

  • Admission to High Holy Day services
  • Special rates for classes, dinners, and events
  • Support for lifecycle events and in times of difficulty
  • Group orientations for new members
  • Vibrant Hebrew School
  • Fair share dues system ensures no one will be turned away based on financial considerations
  • Much, much more!
Please see above for information about types of membership and the B'nai Jeshurun Dues plan, including our special introductory rate for first time members ages 20-29. For more information about becoming a member, please contact Sarah Verity, Membership Associate at (212) 787-7600 x250. We look forward to welcoming you to our community!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does membership cost?
We use a Fair Share Dues System which allows members to pay their dues based on their household income. Click here to learn about the B'nai Jeshurun Dues Plan.

Can I pay my dues in installments?
Yes! When completing the membership application online you may choose to pay half your dues now. For alternative payment plans, please contact the membership office.

I am in a difficult financial position and cannot meet my designated level of dues. What should I do?
No one will be turned away for financial considerations. Please contact the membership office to discuss your situation.

I am not a member; can I purchase High Holy Day Entrance Cards?
Seating at our High Holy Day service locations is limited; therefore entrance cards are issued only to members. We are not able to offer the option to wait in a non-member line. We encourage you to become a member to ensure entry to High Holy Day services.

When do I need to submit my membership application in order to receive High Holy Day Entrance Cards?
In order for us to provide entrance cards for Rosh Hashanah, membership applications must be in our office and date stamped by Thursday, September 3.
In order for us to provide entrance cards for Yom Kippur, membership applications must be in our office and date stamped by Thursday, September 10.

How will I receive my Entrance Cards?
Entrance cards will be mailed starting in late July. Beginning Tuesday, September 8, entrance cards will ONLY be available for pick up in the BJ office.

Contact the Membership Department

Belinda Lasky, Director of Membership at (212) 787-7600 x224
Sarah Verity, Membership Associate at (212) 787-7600 x250

Membership Application

We strongly encourage members to join or renew online. Click here to proceed to the online application.

If you prefer to mail a check, click here to print a New Member application or click here to print a Renewing Member application.

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