Ohev Shalom's Dues Policy

Each member of our congregation supports the activities of our synagogue in accordance with his/ her ability to pay. Dues are on a graduated scale based upon the individual or family’s gross income. We feel that this is the most equitable system yet devised for a Jewish community to support its synagogue activities throughout the year. All members receive the same privileges of membership regardless of the dues which they are able to pay.

The philosophy of Ohev Shalom is to welcome all Jews as members of our synagogue, regardless of their ability to pay his/her dues. In cases of unusual hardship, adjustments can be arranged by written application made to the Dues & Finance Committee. In order to welcome each new member into our synagogue, the first year’s dues are free. The second year’s dues will be determined by the graduated scale listed below:

Building Fund/ Restoration Fund

As a new member of our Ohev Shalom family, you are to be congratulated for your religious and communal commitment. In order to maintain our beautiful building and grounds, each new member is required to make a building fund pledge in the amount of $750.00. This may be paid in one lump sum or in installments over a 4 to 5 year period. As a new member, you may choose to start this immediately or defer this until your second year.

Payment options for the Building Fund Pledge include:

• Payment in Full
• Annual Payments
  • Begin First Year ($150.00 per year for 5 years)
  • Begin Second Year ($187.50 per year for 4 years)

All members of the congregation also contribute to a building improvement/ preservation fund. This annual contribution is $36.00 per adult with a $72.00 maximum per family. Your contribution will not begin until your building fund obligation has been completed.

United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

Ohev Shalom is a member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism provides many services to the Conservative Jewish movement and our synagogue.

Friends of the Seminary

The members of all United Synagogue congregations are urged to participate in a voluntary contribution in support of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. The Seminary, located in New York City, is the training ground for Conservative Rabbis and Cantors who serve the Jewish community throughout the world. It also trains Jewish educators as well as grants Masters and Ph.D. degrees in a variety of Judaic disciplines. There is also an undergraduate program, List College of Jewish Studies, which offers joint degrees with either Barnard College or Columbia University. The highly successful Camp Ramah program is run by the Seminary. Each member is encouraged to contribute $18.00 per year. Your monthly statement will reflect your participation in this program.