FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) ABOUT
CHEVREI TZEDEK’S NEW ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP COMMITMENT
I lost my form! What do I do?
Here it is! Please return it ASAP and no later than June 8, 2023! You can mail it or email it (as picture or PDF) to treasurer@chevrei.org.
How is the Sustainer amount calculated?
The Sustainer amount is calculated by aggregating our annual operating expenses for that fiscal year, subtracting reliable non-dues income, and dividing that difference by the number of adult members in our congregation. The goal is this: If every adult member paid the Sustainer amount, we would break even at the end of the fiscal year: our income would equal our expenses.
Why would I pay more than the Sustainer amount?
We ask those who are able to give more to do so in order to defray the cost for those who are unable to commit at the Sustainer level.
Will I be asked to make other contributions to Chevrei Tzedek?
We always encourage donations honoring lifecycle and special events. If we do not raise sufficient funds through the annual commitments to cover our budget, we will consider other fundraising activities. Please note that your annual commitment does not include fee-for-service activities, such as special dinners or events, lulav & etrog purchases, or b’mitzvah fees.
Do I commit to the same exact contribution every year?
No. The Sustainer amount may change year to year, according to the congregation’s expenses and the number of adult members. We are only asking you to commit for FY 2024. You will have an opportunity to reassess your contribution each year.
I notice that we have a lot of money in reserves. Could we just use that?
No. It is not prudent financial management to sustain our operating budget by depleting our reserves. We need to cover our expenses from our income. We now have nearly two years of operating expenses in reserves, which is recommended for a healthy nonprofit organization. We aim for a balanced budget each year to sustain our operations and to have the capacity to invest in our community.
What is the timeline?
In May 2023, each household will receive information and a form to make an annual commitment. Please return your completed form no later than June 1, 2023. Our new fiscal year begins July 1, 2023, and you will receive a statement that reflects your commitment.
When do I pay my dues?
Each household determines its own payment schedule (lump sum, quarterly installments, or monthly installments) and remits payment by check or PayPal. Your initial payment should be received no later than September 1, 2023. Final payment should be received by June 29, 2024. If your personal or financial circumstances change significantly during the year, please contact the treasurer.
What if there are more than two adults in my household?
Adults over age 26 are encouraged to join Chevrei Tzedek as individual members. As such, they would fill out a separate form and make a separate annual membership commitment.
What is included with my membership dues?
Your Chevrei Tzedek membership covers:
Less tangibly, but quite importantly, your membership also includes:
What if I have other questions?
Please contact one of the following members if you have additional questions:
Here it is! Please return it ASAP and no later than June 8, 2023! You can mail it or email it (as picture or PDF) to treasurer@chevrei.org.
How is the Sustainer amount calculated?
The Sustainer amount is calculated by aggregating our annual operating expenses for that fiscal year, subtracting reliable non-dues income, and dividing that difference by the number of adult members in our congregation. The goal is this: If every adult member paid the Sustainer amount, we would break even at the end of the fiscal year: our income would equal our expenses.
Why would I pay more than the Sustainer amount?
We ask those who are able to give more to do so in order to defray the cost for those who are unable to commit at the Sustainer level.
Will I be asked to make other contributions to Chevrei Tzedek?
We always encourage donations honoring lifecycle and special events. If we do not raise sufficient funds through the annual commitments to cover our budget, we will consider other fundraising activities. Please note that your annual commitment does not include fee-for-service activities, such as special dinners or events, lulav & etrog purchases, or b’mitzvah fees.
Do I commit to the same exact contribution every year?
No. The Sustainer amount may change year to year, according to the congregation’s expenses and the number of adult members. We are only asking you to commit for FY 2024. You will have an opportunity to reassess your contribution each year.
I notice that we have a lot of money in reserves. Could we just use that?
No. It is not prudent financial management to sustain our operating budget by depleting our reserves. We need to cover our expenses from our income. We now have nearly two years of operating expenses in reserves, which is recommended for a healthy nonprofit organization. We aim for a balanced budget each year to sustain our operations and to have the capacity to invest in our community.
What is the timeline?
In May 2023, each household will receive information and a form to make an annual commitment. Please return your completed form no later than June 1, 2023. Our new fiscal year begins July 1, 2023, and you will receive a statement that reflects your commitment.
When do I pay my dues?
Each household determines its own payment schedule (lump sum, quarterly installments, or monthly installments) and remits payment by check or PayPal. Your initial payment should be received no later than September 1, 2023. Final payment should be received by June 29, 2024. If your personal or financial circumstances change significantly during the year, please contact the treasurer.
What if there are more than two adults in my household?
Adults over age 26 are encouraged to join Chevrei Tzedek as individual members. As such, they would fill out a separate form and make a separate annual membership commitment.
What is included with my membership dues?
Your Chevrei Tzedek membership covers:
- Clergy officiant for lifecycle events
- All High Holy Day services (including children up to age 26)
- Shabbat services
- Pastoral care
- Shabbat youth activities
- Classes and Limudim (learning sessions)
- Voting at committee and community meetings
Less tangibly, but quite importantly, your membership also includes:
- Belonging in a community where we show up for one another in times of joy and need
- Opportunities to lead and grow in ritual, spiritual, administrative, creative, and/or collaborative capacities
- Participation in a broad spectrum of Jewish practice and knowledge
What if I have other questions?
Please contact one of the following members if you have additional questions:
- Elise Saltzberg (esaltzberg@aol.com)
- Cheryl Kaplowitz (cheryl@irwinweiss.com)
- Randy Ghertler (rghertler18@gmail.com)
- Peter Evans (peter_evans1@yahoo.com)