Pledges Instead of Dues at Nanuet Hebrew Center

From the Nanuet Hebrew Center

Nanuet Hebrew Center, located in New City, NY is recognized as one of the first synagogues in the NY Metropolitan area to change its traditional membership dues to an open and welcoming self-directed pledge structure, with no building fund.

Co-President Adam Sayer noted, “Our goal is to be more open, inclusive and welcoming to all, regardless of financial or personal situation. We have replaced dues in their traditional sense with an annual self-directed pledge. We also have eliminated the mandatory building fund requirement, which had become a sticking point with potential new congregants.”

Co-President Bruce Pollack added, “We couldn’t be more pleased by the overwhelming optimism and positive response and support our congregants are showing. We truly look at this model as an opportunity to revitalize synagogue affiliation not only at Nanuet Hebrew Center, but throughout the entire region.”

This new pledge model was approved following extensive research, planning and analysis, encompassing the synagogue’s Strategic Planning Committee, and with full support of the synagogue’s Rabbi Paul Kurland, Cantor Barry Kanarek, Executive Board and Board of Trustees.

Potential new congregants are encouraged to visit Nanuet Hebrew Center for a tour, attend the synagogue’s services and programs and meet the clergy, educational director, officers, staff and congregants.

Nanuet Hebrew Center has a rich history of serving the Town of Clarkstown and the Greater Rockland County for close to 75 years. It is a multi-generational egalitarian Conservative Jewish Synagogue actively affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and the Jewish Federation of Rockland County. Additionally as a part of the Big Tent Judaism / Jewish Outreach Coalition, Nanuet Hebrew Center strives to be open and inclusive to all, including the unaffiliated, interfaith families and the LGBT community.

Nanuet Hebrew Center is considered a valuable resource for the entire Rockland community. This includes religious services, along with a wide range of educational, social, and social action programs for all generations. Starting with a free K-2 program (for 2014-2015), Nanuet Hebrew Center’s religious school offers innovative curriculum up through Bar and Bat Mitzvah age, along with award winning USY and Kadima Youth Groups, high school program, adult education, weeknight and Sunday morning minyans, and Shabbat and holiday services.

Adam Sayer and Bruce Pollack, Nanuet Hebrew Center’s Co-Presidents, conclude, “Our self-directed pledge structure may well prove to be the new affiliation model for synagogues cross-country. Not only will it help to improve the relationship we have with our current congregants, it will enable us to be more welcoming to new ones!”

Nanuet Hebrew Center is located at 411 South Little Tor Road (just off exit 10 of the Palisades Parkway) in New City, NY.

For information on affiliating, or to sign up for Nanuet Hebrew Center’s e-mail newsletter, potential congregants are invited to contact the NHC Office atoffice@nanuethc.org or (845) 708-9181. Visit Nanuet Hebrew Center’s website atwww.nanuethc.org and Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nanuethc