Membership Pledge Guidelines

We are dependent upon your generous annual pledge to enable us to provide crucial services and programming, which fosters belonging, spiritual growth, and a sense of family. Each act of generosity strengthens our bonds and expands our positive impact beyond our walls into our community. We thank you for your generous support of our congregation.

Our Fair Share Contribution Policy

Our congregation is committed to a “fair share” contribution policy within an honor system, combined with transparency to our members regarding our financial status and requirements. Our policy is designed to ensure that the financial impact of supporting our congregation is shared EQUITABLY among its members. To achieve this, we have implemented a flexible, fair share system based on the principle of proportional giving according to members' means. We will never inquire into your financial situation as we are taught “Every person shall give as they are able according to the blessings that Adonai, your G-d has bestowed upon you.” (D’varim 16:17) Currently, it costs approximately $2379 per member family to meet the needs of our members and sustain our congregation. As we welcome everyone to join our congregation, regardless of their financial situation, we need those who can contribute more to do so to support the broader needs of the community.

Insight into Our Congregation Operating Costs

Providing insight into our financial status is essential for us to show you we are GOOD STEWARDS of the congregation’s resources and enable you to make informed decisions about your level of support and how you can contribute to the congregation's mission and goals.

• Our operating costs are driven by the fact that we are a mature full-service synagogue with a fully dedicated Rabbi, weekly services, cantorial soloists, a building and sanctuary, adult education, and a religious school providing programs from kindergarten to high school.
• The total cost of operating Congregation Emeth is approximately $264,000 per year. The largest components of this include compensation for our Rabbi, capital debt repayment plan and operating costs for our building, and the costs of our educational programs.
• Offsetting some of our expenses are religious school tuition, revenues from several fundraisers, and special donations throughout the year by many generous members. We also obtain rental income from several groups in the community who use our space when we do not need it.

To ensure that the cost of supporting our congregation is distributed equitably, we suggest that each member family donate between 1.5% and 3% of their household's gross income depending upon their financial situation.

For our Members Aged 35 and Younger

We understand our members in the early stages of their careers can face a unique set of challenges, and we want to support you every step of the way. For our valued members aged 35 and younger, we are pleased to offer a special contribution plan to help you become part of our community at a pace that works for you.

• First Year: $72 per Household
• Second Year: $180 per Household
• Following Years: $360 per Household

When you or, in the case of couples, the oldest member of your household reaches age 36, we kindly request that you increase your annual contribution to be consistent with our fair share giving model.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Treasurer at Treasurer@Emeth.net.