Membership Information 5770 (2009-2010)
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, 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 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. 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.
Pro-rated Membership Dues January-June 2010
| Annual Income / Membership Type | Individual | Family |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time Student | $75 | NA |
| BJ Friend | $350 | NA |
| $0-$30,000 | $230 | $288 |
| $31,000-40,000 | $330 | $380 |
| $41,000-50,000 | $408 | $490 |
| $51,000-60,000 | $490 | $593 |
| $61,000-70,000 | $573 | $695 |
| $71,000-85,000 | $695 | $825 |
| $86,000-100,000 | $800 | $980 |
| $101,000-125,000 | $1005 | $1210 |
| $126,000-150,000 | $1210 | $1455 |
| $150,000-200,000 | $1550 | $1800 |
| $201,000+ | $1990 | $2385 |
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 above.
| Annual Income / Membership Type | Individual 20-29 | Family 20-29 |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (New Members Only) | $90 | $180 |
| Year 2 (Renewing members who joined last year) | $90 | $180 |
| Year 3 | Fair Share Dues | 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. Pro-rated dues do not include entrance cards.
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 Sarah Verity, Senior Membership Associate at 212-787-7600 x250. We look forward to welcoming you to our community!
Membership Application
We strongly encourage members to join or renew online. Click here to proceed to the online Member 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
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.
-
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.
Contact the Membership Department
Belinda Lasky, Assistant Executive Director at 212-787-7600 x224
Sarah Verity, Senior Membership Associate at 212-787-7600 x250