Membership
Why Join?
As you've seen on
this web-site">
Membership Why Join? As you've seen on
this web-site, Congregation B'nai Israel provides a nurturing family atmosphere
for providing learning and spirituality while fostering a sense of community for
its members. We have members from all walks of life, singles, couples, and
families. Many of our member family are two religion households.
Congregation B'nai Israel is a member of the
URJ -
Union of Reform Judaism
The following is an excerpt from
a URJ brochure dispelling the most common myths about joining a synagogue. Myth # 1 -
"There's no place for me....I'm not even sure I believe in God." There have always
been differences of opinion regarding belief and practice in our tradition.
The meaning of the word Israel is to "struggle with God." The
synagogue provides a safe, supportive, atmosphere in which to engage in that
struggle and explore one's spiritual needs. Most of all, synagogue life
provides a strong community to help you sustain your connection to Judaism and
pass the torch of the Torah to future generations. Myth # 2 -
"Synagogues are only for families, not for singles like me." It is true that
synagogues have many family-oriented programs, but that does not mean that they
are only for families. Aside from youth programs and religious schools,
many synagogues have women's groups, adult education seminars, leadership
opportunities, social justice programs, and, of course, worship experiences.
The synagogue's task is to enhance your connection with other Jews and your
personal search for meaning. Myth # 3 - Why
should I join now? My son is not yet ready for religious
school." It is never too soon
to be a part of the Jewish community. While we often think that synagogues
are around to "teach Judaism" to our children, there is so much more.
Synagogues provide ongoing opportunities to study, experience, and enjoy being
connected to a Jewish community. As for children, most synagogues offer
preschool programs as an important component in children's development.
The synagogue provides a safe, nurturing place to help your child develop key
skills, as well as to create an enriching Jewish atmosphere for him and for you!
Myth # 4 -
"It costs a fortune to join a synagogue!" Reform synagogues
are committed to every Jew who desires to be part of a congregation. A
Jewish sage once said that "the Gates of Prayer are always open."
Reform synagogues have promised to keep their gates open and inclusive to all.
Hand in hand with this idea follows another: that "all Jews are
responsible for one another." That is why synagogue leaders set up a
fair dues structure-so that the vital ongoing services and programs continue to
serve the entire community. Congregation
B'nai Israel provides all of this and more! How to Join Congregation B'nai
Israel has a very reasonable dues structure in place with both Family and
Individual membership options available. An introduction packet along with
a membership application can be sent to you upon request by contacting Susan
Levine at
678-817-7162. Dues go to fund a
variety of Congregational programs as well as rent and maintenance on the
building. Additional contributions can be made to any of the following
funds: General fund - This
fund is used for daily operations. Increases to this fund come mainly from
dues and general donations. The fund is used to reimburse the Rabbi
for expenses, rent, phone, insurance, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Money in this fund is also used for investments. Harry Weissman
Building Fund - This is a restricted fund. It is restricted because money
in this fund cannot be used for anything other than purchasing or in some way
getting us our own building. Increases to this fund come from donations to
the building fund. Torah Fund - This is
a restricted fund. It is restricted because money in this fund cannot be
used for anything other than purchasing a Torah or Torah accessories.
Increases to this fund come from donations to the Torah Fund. Prayer Book Fund -
This is a restricted fund. It is restricted because money in this fund
cannot be used for anything other than purchasing Prayer Books. This does
not include High Holiday Prayer Books (members purchase these individually).
Increases to this fund come from donations to the Prayer Book fund. Camp Coleman Fund -
This is a restricted fund. It is restricted because money in this fund
cannot be used for anything other than attending Camp Coleman. Fifty
percent of the funds available will be distributed to all those who apply by
March 1. Increases to this fund come from donations to the Camp Coleman
fund.
Andrea Lewis, Treasurer |HOME| - |MEET THE BOARD| - |PROGRAMS| - |UPCOMING EVENTS| - |JEWISH HOLIDAYS| - |RABBI'S
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Congregation B'nai
Israel
P.O. Box 142481
Fayetteville, GA
30215