Membership and Special Fund Donations
June 26, 2017Anyone can become a member of Congregation Beth Shalom! Being a member allows you to participate in all religious and social activities conducted by the congregation (some events might require an additional charge, typically to pay for food). Membership also permits use of the synagogue facilities for family lifecycle events (e.g., bris, b’nai mitzvot, marriage, funerals) and the right to participate in the governance processes of the synagogue (i.e., voting at annual and special membership meetings, serving on the Board of Directors). While membership in Congregation Beth Shalom is broad and inclusive, individuals whose words or actions tend to be disruptive of the activities of Congregation Beth Shalom may have their membership status reviewed, and potentially revoked, by the Board of Directors.
Congregation Beth Shalom has established a sliding scale of dues based on total family income. These dues, assessed annually, typically around the end of August, are carefully budgeted and spent by the Board for the necessary operation of the congregation. Budgets are approved at a public meeting each spring. While each member is encouraged to support the congregation to the best extent possible, no person will be denied membership in Congregation Beth Shalom for financial reasons. Individuals having special needs, or those requiring some accommodation, are urged to contact the Congregation Beth Shalom Treasurer.
Members are encouraged to return their completed membership form, along with their payment (or first payment, if paying by installments), by the first day of October. Annual dues, used solely for the operation of the congregation, are based on total family income, as follows:
- Family income is less than $25,000 — Annual CBS dues are $275
- Family income is between $25,000 and $35,000 — Annual CBS dues are $440
- Family income is between $35,001 and $50,000 — Annual CBS dues are $585
- Family income is between $50,001 and $75,000 — Annual CBS dues are $720
- Family income is between $75,001 and $100,000 — Annual CBS dues are $900
- Family income is between $100,001 and $125,000 — Annual CBS dues are $1,150
- Family income is over $125,000 — Annual CBS dues are $1,400
In addition to annual dues, Congregation Beth Shalom operates a number of Special Funds for different community and charitable needs. Anyone may contribute to these funds, one time or on a recurring basis, to support the activities of each fund. These Special Funds are:
- General (Unrestricted) Fund – Congregation operating expenses
- Raymond Katz Building Fund – Building maintenance and repair
- Rabbi Fund – Current and future Rabbi salary
- Rabbi Discretionary Fund – Used by the Rabbi for religious and educational purposes
- Fox/Mabel Fund – Educational activities, including Religious School, library, camperships
- Community Fund – Hope Haven, members in need, and other community needs
- DeKalb Food Pantry Fund – Food for the needy in DeKalb County
- Other Purpose: Please note that all donations made to Congregation Beth Shalom for purposes other than general operating expenses and/or the above named funds must be accepted by the Board of Directors. If you are considering making a gift to the congregation for a special purpose, or with specific desires and restrictions on expenditures, please be sure to consult with the Board ahead of time.
Please note that, due to generous past donations to the Cemetery Fund, we currently have more than sufficient funds to adequately maintain and upgrade our section of Fairview Cemetery. Also note that, at this time, the Religious School is inactive.
Contact the Congregation Beth Shalom Treasurer if you have any questions about membership dues or donations, or if you are considering making a special gift to Congregation Beth Shalom.
Please see the Donate page for payment options for both Dues and Donations to Special Funds.
Regardless of how you pay, we encourage you to complete and return a membership form with any updated contact information. The information is used for tax donation letters, haShofar electronic mailings, and other important communications. We want to keep our membership lists updated and make sure everyone receives all congregation notices and announcements!
It is Congregation Beth Shalom’s policy that no one will be denied membership for financial reasons. If you have any questions or would like to make special financial arrangements, please email the Treasurer or call (815) 762-9762. All financial information is maintained in strict confidence.