Jewish Synagogue dues discussion (idea from the tithe thread)

[KirstenB]

I would like to clear up (again) the misconception that you need to be a member of a Temple to pray there. That is not true. You also generally do not have to be a member to receive many Temple services, such a hebrew school (usualy a separate charge on a sliding scale anyway), lectures, etc. It is very possible (though I suppose not very common) to go to shul every day, 3 times a day for prayers and never pay a penny into the treasury.


I am frankly shocked that churches do not have dues. How do they manage to survive then?

Punkin, to answer your last sentence, at our church we pledge annually both time and money. Once a year we receive pledge sheets listing all the volunteer opportunities at the church, ie, nursery, teach Sunday School, altar guild, vestry, etc. At the end of the form, we're asked to come up with a pledge figure. Only our treasurer is privvy to that amount, not even our priest knows what everyone pledges. That allows them to set a budget for next year. BTW, this is just for our Episcopal church, I know other churches handle it in different ways.

 

[VioltePrincess]

we have a similar setup for the High Holy Days -- someone to check tickets as the people enter, for crowd control and security.

our synagogue has about 600 families, maybe 650.

we have a full time Rabbi, a full time Cantor and a part time Rabbi. we have an office staff of about 4, a custodial staff (at least 2), a religious school staff (director, several teachers and a secretary), and a nursery school staff (director, teachers, secretary). the building carries a mortgage(I paid off my "building fund" asessment years ago, when I first joined.), and we often need capital expenditures (such as refurbishment of the sanctuary) as well as operating expenses. these people don't get paid on promises.

what some people don't realize is that even not-for-profit corporations ike churches and synagogues can go bankrupt.

there's a Chabad in our neighborhood, they advertise that they don't charge membership dues. but they're doing a LOT of fundraising all over the area, and they receive funds from ...oh, what's the parent organization? Lubavitch of America?

G-d will provide, of course...but only if the members of the synagogue actively seek what He "provides".

 

[punkin]

Punkin, to answer your last sentence, at our church we pledge annually both time and money. Once a year we receive pledge sheets listing all the volunteer opportunities at the church, ie, nursery, teach Sunday School, altar guild, vestry, etc. At the end of the form, we're asked to come up with a pledge figure. Only our treasurer is privvy to that amount, not even our priest knows what everyone pledges. That allows them to set a budget for next year. BTW, this is just for our Episcopal church, I know other churches handle it in different ways.

Well I certainly understand that. I'm just confused bcause it seems that people were saying that the entire church is run from the collection plate. I just don't see how an organization can set a budget if it does not know what their weekly donations will be. Additionally, how can you meet set expenses with that uncertainty.

 

[TheDoctor]

Well I certainly understand that. I'm just confused bcause it seems that people were saying that the entire church is run from the collection plate. I just don't see how an organization can set a budget if it does not know what their weekly donations will be. Additionally, how can you meet set expenses with that uncertainty.

I am on the board of my temple. We start the budget process now for the budget for the upcoming fiscal year that starts in May. There are detailed revenue projections including estimates for new members and account receivables writeoffs. There is a committee that reviews dues adjustments (all done on a confidential basis). Each month the board votes on new members including their dues and building fund contributions and on suspensions for members who are behind and who will not work with the Temple. Basically the only way to get suspended is to refuse to return the phone calls or respond to the letters from the temple. We have only a handful of suspensions in the whole year and before voting on any such suspension board members check to see what the basis is for such suspension. Suspensions are not really meaningful except as to high holy day tickets (a large number of people decide to return calls and work with the temple just before High Holy Days) and if you have a child in religious school. Anyone can attend normal services or the lectures regardless of membership.

Again, I am at a large temple with 2100+ families. We have three full time rabbis, a cantor and a decent size religious school. We have an audit of our financial statements each year and standing committees on budgeting and long range planning. We have a cemetary, a large building and both a normal religious school and a day school operated at the Temple.

 

[pearlieq]

Well I certainly understand that. I'm just confused bcause it seems that people were saying that the entire church is run from the collection plate. I just don't see how an organization can set a budget if it does not know what their weekly donations will be. Additionally, how can you meet set expenses with that uncertainty.

At our church it's a matter of faith and an educated guess.

There is a week when we are asked to make a financial commitment or "pledge" to the church. These numbers are soft, of course, but can be used to guesstimate planning.

We can also use historical donation figures and attendance numbers to try to estimate giving amounts.

Some churches have other revenue streams such as preschool, facility rental, or rental property.

Many churches set aside savings or endowments to cover lean times or unexpected shortfalls. Also, the congregation is kept apprised of how giving is going vs. the budget. If we're short or find we have new expenses, many people do what they can to give more to make up the shortfall.

 

[punkin]

I am on the board of my temple. We start the budget process now for the budget for the upcoming fiscal year that starts in May. There are detailed revenue projections including estimates for new members and account receivables writeoffs. There is a committee that reviews dues adjustments (all done on a confidential basis). Each month the board votes on new members including their dues and building fund contributions and on suspensions for members who are behind and who will not work with the Temple. Basically the only way to get suspended is to refuse to return the phone calls or respond to the letters from the temple. We have only a handful of suspensions in the whole year and before voting on any such suspension board members check to see what the basis is for such suspension. Suspensions are not really meaningful except as to high holy day tickets (a large number of people decide to return calls and work with the temple just before High Holy Days) and if you have a child in religious school. Anyone can attend normal services or the lectures regardless of membership.

Again, I am at a large temple with 2100+ families. We have three full time rabbis, a cantor and a decent size religious school. We have an audit of our financial statements each year and standing committees on budgeting and long range planning. We have a cemetary, a large building and both a normal religious school and a day school operated at the Temple.

Is this adressed to me?

 

[KirstenB]

Well I certainly understand that. I'm just confused bcause it seems that people were saying that the entire church is run from the collection plate. I just don't see how an organization can set a budget if it does not know what their weekly donations will be. Additionally, how can you meet set expenses with that uncertainty.

Yes, you'd get that impression if you visited our church on Sundays. We do pass the collection plates every Sunday. Some of us write a check on each visit, some give their pledge in one lump sum. You might see several people "pass" on the collection plate, but they've probably already made their pledge contribution ahead of time. I can see how it would definitely appear to be unmethodical to a visitor.

 

[punkin]

Yes, you'd get that impression if you visited our church on Sundays. We do pass the collection plates every Sunday. Some of us write a check on each visit, some give their pledge in one lump sum. You might see several people "pass" on the collection plate, but they've probably already made their pledge contribution ahead of time. I can see how it would definitely appear to be unmethodical to a visitor.

Again, if you look at some of the posts in this thread, it seems that some people go to churches that don't have what you described. From my point of view, it looks like what you have is pretty much membership dues even though you call it "suggested donations" In practice what you do at your church and what we do at out synagogue is not different at all.

 

[KirstenB]

Punkin, they're somewhat similar. I'm thinking that your dues are a fixed amount for a family (I may be mis-reading that). Our pledges are totally self-determined. If someone wanted to pledge $1, they could, and they would be members of the church. We don't have tickets for Christmas and Easter, it's more of a free-for-all. I do wish our holidays were better managed...if you don't get there 30 minutes early, you'll probably be standing outside! Can you tell I've been late before?

 

[TheDoctor]

Punkin, they're somewhat similar. I'm thinking that your dues are a fixed amount for a family (I may be mis-reading that).

Even that varies. My Temple uses a percentage of income based on reporting on the honor system with a cap. Other congregations use a fixed amount for family with adjustments for financial need. My Temple has a special program for young families where they get a low first year dues and then are asked to set a "fair share" dues each year until they are at the normal fixed percentage. That program has been very successful.

We also have a program where certain donors are allowed to make contributions in excess of the normal maximum and then are consider to be part of the "rabbi's circle" where they get some special recognition and opportunties to sit on the beema. One of my partners and several of my clients are in this group at my Temple.

 

[TheDoctor]

Is this adressed to me?

No. I saw the discussion of the budget process and since I have been involved in such process at my Temple, I decided to explain how my Temple deals with the process.

 

[KirstenB]

I like the idea of the "fair share" program for young families. I was wondering how folks of modest means were able to contribute without being pinched.

There is wide variety in our pledges. This year one of our members who lost a grown son in a car accident pledged over 1 million dollars to build our much-needed new parish hall in her son's honor. There are a few other affluent members of our parish who throughout the years have more than pulled their weight for the rest of us. I like the "rabbi's circle" too. That's a neat way to recognize members who make worship and community better for all of us.

This thread has been really educational for me. I appreciate the chance to eavesdrop!

 

[monorailsilver]

Wow, I too am amazed that there were dues for the synogogue.

I worked at a Jewish facility as a nurse here in CT & on the really holy days we as staff even got our food free.

And then for Friday-Sat services the Rabbi's had to have us escort them up the stairs since the elevator was prohibited as well as pressing the alarm button on the stairs. So we had to open the door for them as they couldn't even touch the door & they'd wait for us to turn the TV off in the main room where all the residents 'hung' out.

I used to love when they blew the Shofar (sp). Is that for Yom Kippor? It has been 6 years since I worked there & my mind is slowly dwindling at this old age of 35.

OK I have a question, one of the younger Rabbi's at my work told us (us meaning me a Catholic girl & the other nurse I worked with also a Catholic girl) that after he got married he had to abstain from his husbandly duties to his new wife for that first month. Is that true? I know this has nothing to do with the original topic so no one has to answer it.

And now I know why many of the Jews in my hometown didn't go to the synagogue in our home town but went to synagogues in other towns because they probably started there with their parents or initially lived in that area & since they got to know the synagogue well & the people that belonged there and they were paying dues & enjoyed it they just stayed there.

Thanks for enlightening me.

 

[punkin]

No. I saw the discussion of the budget process and since I have been involved in such process at my Temple, I decided to explain how my Temple deals with the process.

Sorry. I misunderstood because you quoted me.

 

[punkin]

OK I have a question, one of the younger Rabbi's at my work told us (us meaning me a Catholic girl & the other nurse I worked with also a Catholic girl) that after he got married he had to abstain from his husbandly duties to his new wife for that first month. Is that true? I know this has nothing to do with the original topic so no one has to answer it.

No. not for a month Unless she had problems with her menstrual cycle.

 

[JennyMominRI]

.

I used to love when they blew the Shofar (sp). Is that for Yom Kippor? .

Rosh Hashanah

 

[flminivanmama]

I used to love when they blew the Shofar (sp). Is that for Yom Kippor?

Rosh Hashannah & the very end of Yom Kippur

OK I have a question, one of the younger Rabbi's at my work told us (us meaning me a Catholic girl & the other nurse I worked with also a Catholic girl) that after he got married he had to abstain from his husbandly duties to his new wife for that first month. Is that true? I know this has nothing to do with the original topic so no one has to answer it.

you've only half got it 2 weeks out of every month, essentially. During her period & a week after.

 

[golfgal]

I am on the board of my temple. We start the budget process now for the budget for the upcoming fiscal year that starts in May. There are detailed revenue projections including estimates for new members and account receivables writeoffs. There is a committee that reviews dues adjustments (all done on a confidential basis). Each month the board votes on new members including their dues and building fund contributions and on suspensions for members who are behind and who will not work with the Temple. Basically the only way to get suspended is to refuse to return the phone calls or respond to the letters from the temple. We have only a handful of suspensions in the whole year and before voting on any such suspension board members check to see what the basis is for such suspension. Suspensions are not really meaningful except as to high holy day tickets (a large number of people decide to return calls and work with the temple just before High Holy Days) and if you have a child in religious school. Anyone can attend normal services or the lectures regardless of membership.

Again, I am at a large temple with 2100+ families. We have three full time rabbis, a cantor and a decent size religious school. We have an audit of our financial statements each year and standing committees on budgeting and long range planning. We have a cemetary, a large building and both a normal religious school and a day school operated at the Temple.

Your temple size is roughly comparable to the size of our old parish-2500 families. I am curious how close your dues come to meeting your expenses? Our old parish was TERRIBLE about giving to the church on a weekly basis--if you told them that you needed $100,000 for a new roof, great, but not that you needed $3000 to cover the monthly heating bill . I was on the parish council and it was ALWAYS a hot topic. The Catholic church would never go to a 'dues' type system but I wonder if that is more effective then free will offering? Just curious about your temple and other's just for comparison purposes.


Also, if I wanted to go to a High Holy service just to observe, is that allowed, providing I got a ticket from someone?

One more thing, my niece is making her Bat Mitzvah in June and I have been put in charge of the 'reception'--basically being the go to person the day of, I think. What does that entail??? I was her mom's personal attendant for their wedding and that is why they picked me--I am a take charge kind of person. My SIL converted a couple years ago so this is all new to us Irish Catholics--you should have seen us as our nephews briss?

 

[VioltePrincess]

one other thing I should mention -- membership in the synagogue gives you a vote. our synagogue's constitution requires a quorum of members for capital improvements, the annual budget, etc. only members may vote on these issues. the trustees are bound by the results of the vote.

golfgal, mazel tov on your niece's bat mitzvah. I didn't have a "go to" person for either of my dd's bat mitzvah receptiosn, so I can't help you with what's expected.

 

[TheDoctor]

Your temple size is roughly comparable to the size of our old parish-2500 families. I am curious how close your dues come to meeting your expenses?

Under our articles and bylaws, we are suppose to operate in the black, i.e. we should not spend more than we take in. Back in the mid 1990s (before I got on the board), the Temple had some financial issues and did not budget properly. We had to get a major donation and let go one rabbi and replace the executive director who blew the budget. Since then the Temple takes the budget process very seriously. Again, the budget process has already started for the upcoming fiscal year. At each monthly board meeting, the executive director of the Temple (a paid position) gives the board a year to date number and a prediction for year. So far he has been on the money with slight surplus the last couple of years.

There are a number of accountants on the board and the executive director holds workshops to explain the temple financial statements and the budget process for all board members who want to know. After the financial issues we had in the mid 1990s, the board takes the budget process very seriously.

As for capital expenditures,we have a separate building fund. The board approves all capital expenditures based on what is available and what is projected. We have just replaced two coolers for the air conditioning system that has been in the building fund cost projections for some time and we still have a good reserve for other future projects. We are luckily that we have a number of professionals on the board who help on all such decisions.