June 2019
Dear Friends,
It has been another wonderful year at Temple Beth El. Our membership is increasing, the Early Childhood Center is thriving, Religious School enrollment is up and our Adult Education programs are packed. As President, it has been a delight to meet and spend time with new members and congregants of longer standing. I am very proud of the opportunities Beth El offers its families in terms of education, spirituality, community service and life cycle events and I hope you are, too. Thank you for supporting our values and our mission; we can't do it without you.
As summer approaches, we ask our members to renew their membership for the Jewish year of 5780. We are asking each family to contribute membership dues this year in the sustaining amount of $3,695. This amount reflects the true cost of our synagogue operations - and the fact that we continue to keep spending in check while augmenting our bottom line through the Annual Fund.
While we ask able members to pay the sustaining amount, we recognize that there are families in our community who cannot afford this amount. We hold that no one should be turned away due to financial need. Therefore, it has always been our mission to never turn away a family. As a sacred community, it is therefore imperative that we ask for your full commitment so that we may help those in need.
Based on feedback from our members, we are simplifying our renewal method this year. You no longer need to log on to our database. Instead, all you have to do is send in payment. Ann Testone, our bookkeeper will be sending out statements via email today. Should you desire a payment plan, you may fill out this form for our bookkeeping office, or reply to her email.
In addition to membership dues, you will notice on your statement a security fee, which has increased from last year. Security and safety have always been, and will continue to be, our number one priority. We constantly review our policies and procedures and are planning to enhance our security for the upcoming year. This increase will help cover the costs of these enhancements.
Finally, you will see an $18 contribution to ARZA, the Association of Reform Zionists of America. These funds are directed towards supporting our sister congregations in Israel.
Thank you for making Temple Beth El a priority in your lives. You and your family members are an important part of our community and we look forward to deepening our relationship with you in the upcoming years. Have a wonderful summer.
Warmly,
Amy H. Robin
Temple President