Membership Information 5771 (2010-2011)
Thank you for your interest in 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
- The B’nai Jeshurun Fair Share Dues Plan
- Entrance Cards for High Holy Days
- Information for New Members
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact the Membership Department
- 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, 2010 and ending on June 30, 2011. 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.
- Tze’irim Family/Individual 20-29. For first-time members ages 20-29 and renewing members who joined BJ at this rate.
The B’nai Jeshurun Fair Share 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. Therefore, dues have not been increased this year. 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.
Annual Membership Dues 2010-2011
| Annual Income / Membership Type | Individual | Family |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time Student | $150 | NA |
| BJ Friend | $350 | NA |
| $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 |
| $150,000-200,000 | $3100 | $3600 |
| $201,000+ | $3980 | $4770 |
Special Tze’irim Rate
For first-time BJ members ages 20-29 with an annual income of less than $75,000. Members who renew at this rate will pay dues that increase by $180 each year until they reach age 30. If you are in a comfortable financial position, we recommend that you pay the Fair Share Dues above.
| 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) | $360 | $540 |
| Year 3 (Renewing members) | $540 | $720 |
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.
2010 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)
Jazz at Lincoln Center (Frederick P. Rose Hall at Broadway and 60th Street)
Symphony Space (2537 Broadway at 95th Street)
Entrance cards are required for all adults and children over age 6 for admission to all services, including Family Services. All three types of entrance cards will be accepted at the Family Service. Click here for more information about High Holy Day services.
Information for New Members
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!
For more information about becoming a member, please contact Belinda Lasky, Assistant Executive Director at 212-787-7600 x224. We look forward to welcoming you to our community!
Membership Application
We strongly encourage you to join or renew online.
Click here for the online member application.
If you prefer to mail a check, you can download a new member application or a renewing member application, as applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does membership cost?
We use a Fair Share Dues System which allows members to pay their dues based on their household income.
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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.
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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.
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I am not a member, can I purchase High Holy Day Entrance Cards?
Seating at our High Holy Day 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.
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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 Monday, August 23.
In order for us to provide entrance cards for Yom Kippur, membership applications must be in our office and date stamped by Monday, August 30.
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How will I receive my Entrance Cards?
Entrance cards will be mailed starting in mid-July. Beginning Monday, August 23, entrance cards will ONLY be available for pick up in the BJ office.
Contact the Membership Department
Belinda Lasky, Assistant Executive Director, at 212-787-7600 x224