We are reaching out to ask you to support our operating budget as the calendar year 2025 comes to a close. This year we set a goal of $40,000. Please watch this short video to learn more about our ask this year.
Our multi-tier dues structure is working well and pledges have met our annual goal. As Steve Rubenstein, president of Beth Israel, explains in the video, we ask each member to contribute additionally across the year, selecting opportunities of their choosing. We're calling it Dues-Plus. The Dues-Plus expectation is that each member will give an additional amount totaling 1/3 of their dues pledge in discretionary contributions over the course of the year. For example, if a member’s dues were $2,100, they would contribute $700 more across the year. Dues-Plus ensures that we have sufficient funding and that the expectation is equitable across the diversity of financial capacity among our members.
Some examples of what people might choose for their additional obligation are sponsoring a kiddush or a camp-style Shabbat dinner, donating in memory of someone, or to celebrate a simcha or to honor someone’s achievement, or to express gratitude. Contributions could also be directed to bringing a speaker or a musical event or other activities, or to the school.
So there are lots of options. This end of year appeal is one such option for you.
Lots of good things have happened at Beth Israel over the last year. Since the start of the new fiscal year, we have welcomed 19 new member units (individuals or families) to Beth Israel. Our school enrollment, under the leadership of our school director, Lynne Caine, is up to 115 students, 10% ahead of last year.
In addition to Shabbat and holiday services, we have had concerts, lectures, gardening projects, and social activities. As Steve likes to say, there's something going on every day at Beth Israel!
All of this is a lot of good news. And it is made possible by your support.
Making an end-of-year gift to Beth Israel is one good way to meet your Dues-Plus contribution for this year. And it will help us meet our funding needs for this year.
Our goal for this year’s end of year appeal is $40,000. This will move us closer to covering our needs beyond what we raise from dues. We are asking you to take this opportunity to contribute generously. This is about our sustaining powers as a congregation, for each of us, and for all of us together. Thank you.
