HOME >  Belong at Beth Am

Belong at Beth Am

Current Members

Recommit to Beth Am by June 30 for 2023-24!

Complete my BAI Commitment form

New Members

If you would like to be part of our community, welcome!

Join our Community

Our Sustainable Commitment model

We believe that each of us has an essential part to play in the continuity of our Jewish home. In 2022, we initiated a new membership approach, shifting from our longstanding “dues” model to a “Sustainable Commitment” model, which asked members to commit to sustaining our Beth Am community.  This year we are continuing this approach and ask every Beth Am household to make a financial commitment that takes into consideration our synagogue’s actual financial needs.

What is the “Sustainable Financial Commitment”?

It is the annual financial commitment per household (in addition to our fundraisers and security fee) that is required to fund a year of Beth Am-style joyful Jewish communal life – inspiring services, interactive learning, community engagement, social action, beautiful music, heartwarming connections, clergy support – and did we mention food?  These are just part of what makes Beth Am the place where we can all belong.

The Sustainable Financial Commitment for Beth Am is $3360 per household for July 2023 – June 2024.

It is important that each of us strives to commit to $3360, and, if unable to do so, that we reach as close as possible to this sustainable amount as fits our individual financial situations.  We recognize that we all have a different capacity to give; everyone’s contribution – as close to, at, or even over the sustainable level – is greatly valued and deeply appreciated.

Any additional contribution you can make above the sustainable amount enables us to maintain our standard of excellence and our steadfast commitment to ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent any person from belonging.

This new model means that you do not need to call us to discuss your financial commitment. We accept the amount you state on your My BAI Commitment form and trust that you will give as much as you are able.  But if you would like to discuss your personal financial commitment, or have any other questions or concerns, feel free to contact Lori Dafilou at 610-667-1651 or executivedirector@bethamisrael.org.

We are grateful that you belong to our community.  We need one another.

Frequently Asked Questions

To attract and retain congregants more effectively, many Conservative and Reform congregations are reexamining the traditional dues model and adopting models that better support and grow their communities.  We believe our model will make it easier for all to feel welcome at Beth Am.

Our Sustainable Commitment model rests on the principle that we base our household contributions on the actual cost of sustaining our operations (our facilities, programs, and services). Rather than setting artificial dues levels, we inform our members of our actual costs and then rely on each household to decide for itself its annual contribution.  Under the traditional dues model, members who were unable to pay their full dues amount were required to negotiate a reduced rate with office staff.  Under our model, this often-uncomfortable discussion is no longer necessary.

No. We rely upon each household, whether an individual, couple, or family, to make an annual financial commitment.

We trust the integrity and commitment of our beloved Beth Am community.  We are confident that our members will each give as much as they can each year to sustain Beth Am.

This amount represents approximately 80% of the synagogue’s operational revenue. The operational expenses include maintenance, utilities, benefits, insurance, clergy, professional staff, food, and programs, and exclude security costs.

If this year you cannot afford to give at the sustainable level, we ask that you pledge and pay as much as you are able and as close as you are able to the sustainable level, and that each year you faithfully reevaluate your ability to support Beth Am.

Yes!  Our model depends upon a sufficient number of member households contributing at or above the sustainable level for us to achieve the average contribution per household needed to sustain Beth Am.  We know that some households are not able to contribute the sustainable amount, and that some households have the ability to contribute at or more than this amount.  We are counting on all to commit, and on those who can generously support Beth Am at or above the sustainable level, to do so.

The Sustainable Financial Commitment replaces traditional membership dues.  School tuition will continue to be billed separately.  We will maintain other fundraising campaigns and events to achieve our operational budget, including needing to collect separate security fees.  Every June, we will ask that you pledge your annual contribution to Beth Am for the coming fiscal year.

To log into your online account, go to www.bethamisrael.org. In the top right-hand corner, click the “Member Login” button. Your email address will be the one you provided on your membership application. (If it was ages ago or you don’t know the email address on file, contact the office.) Once you log in, you will see your name appear in the top right-hand corner. Click the large gray buttons (or use the dropdown menu under “My Account”) to view your statements and pay bills, update your account information; available information includes addresses, birthdays, Yarhzeits, occupation, skills and volunteer interests, view the member directory, read Board and committee minutes, donate, and more.  If you have any difficulty logging in, please contact our office for help at office@bethamisrael.org or 610-667-1651.

We are eager to simplify this process for you and answer any questions you may have. Please contact Lori Dafilou, our Executive Director if you have further questions.