Congregation B’nai Israel Eliminates Membership Dues as of July 1

Toms River, NJ – Congregation B’nai Israel, a Conservative Jewish congregation located in Toms River, is paving an innovative path to the future – one free of membership dues.

At its February 2018 meeting, the Board of Trustees voted overwhelmingly to move away from its current dues structure and move forward with a Supporting Pledge Model, allowing congregants to contribute at the same level they have in the past or based upon their current financial means in support of the synagogue’s operations.

Synagogues typically finance their operations through a membership model where everyone is expected to contribute a “one-size fits all” approach. With this traditional model, a synagogue first determines the cost of its operations, and then fixes membership dues based on needed income to keep the congregation’s doors open.

Over a year ago, Congregation B’nai Israel began to look seriously at other ways of funding its programs. “A combination of factors – a need to refocus on engagement, changing demographics in the Greater Toms River Area, and the economic dip – challenged our leadership to find a way to make our synagogue more inviting and more financially supportable,” says Congregation B’nai Israel President Philip Brilliant. “Our committees and lay leadership worked hand-in-hand with our professionals to explore new approaches consistent with our mission of a ‘Congregation Creating Jewish Memories at the Jersey Shore.’”

In changing the dues model to a Supporting Pledge Model, the focus is to inspire feelings of connection with the synagogue. Donations from members will support programs that were once funded by mandatory dues.

Before adopting this new change, several discussions and presentations were made to Congregation B’nai Israel membership and based upon feedback from the congregation, the model was modified. The original model set for by the Sustainability Committee was one of a Sustaining Pledge Model, which established tiers/categories of pledges and a much more structured process. The Sustainability Committee evaluated the feedback and tweaked the model to a Supporting Pledge, requiring the members designate a pledge based upon their previous financial commitment to Congregation B’nai Israel, in the form of dues and High Holiday appeal. Unlike other synagogues, Congregation B’nai Israel does not have a building fund and does not charge extra for religious school (pre-K to 12th grade).

The response was an overwhelming endorsement of the proposal, demonstrating a unified commitment to eliminating the barriers of membership and welcoming all those who want to join. “More importantly, we are creating a dignified way of maintaining our members as their financial situation change now and in the future, whether young or seasoned,” says Brilliant. Brilliant added, “This innovative model invites individuals to participate in the sacred work of creating and sustaining a sacred community that is focused on building relationships. I am so proud of our Board of Trustees, the Sustainability Committee and our members for embracing the change and our future.”

Congregation B’nai Israel’s Office Manager, Laurie Sheedy has strong faith that this new system will “bring out the best in our congregants rather than the worst,” noting that many members have already committed to giving more than they gave last year.

For young families who are just starting out, seniors on a limited income, or others who would like to join but can’t afford the dues, now there is a way to be part of the Congregation B’nai Israel community in a welcoming and comfortable way.

“We are empowering our members to decide their own connection when they select their financial contribution to support Congregation B’nai Israel to keep its doors open and be there to serve them,” Brilliant says.

“We hope to foster an environment where those who can pledge more each year, will be inspired and moved to do so,” Brilliant continues.” Those that cannot will pledge to their ability, with the knowledge and expectation that they are full and essential members of our community with a true stake in what we do.”

For more information about the synagogue and to find out more about the Supporting Pledge model, call 732-349-1244 or visit www.cbitr.org.