Membership Information 5772 (2011-2012)

Thank you for your interest in B’nai Jeshurun

Types of Membership

Membership at BJ is open to Jewish persons and their spouse/partner and children.  People of other faiths may not join individually but may be included in a Family Membership if their spouse/partner is Jewish.  Membership spans a one-year period, beginning July 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2012.  Members choose one of the following membership categories:

  • Individual. Single member without children.
  • Family. Married couple or two individuals living together in a partnered relationship, with or without children; single parents with children who wish to be informed of or included in children or family events.
  • Full-time Student. Individual pursuing an undergraduate or post-graduate degree.
  • BJ Friend. For those living outside of the tri-state area or beyond commuting distance from the synagogue.
  • Tze’irim Family/Individual 20-29.  For first-time members ages 20-29 and renewing members who joined BJ at this rate.

The B’nai Jeshurun Fair Share Dues Plan

As part of our obligation to create a kehillah kedoshah – a holy community – we each must assume the responsibility of meeting the financial requirements of our synagogue. The Fair Share Dues System allows members to pay their dues based on their household income. You are not asked to disclose your income, but only to accept those dues which are justly applicable to you. No financial documents are required. Rather, we ask that each member pledge as honestly and as accurately as possible. All financial information is treated confidentially. No adjustments will be made due to membership in other synagogues.

BJ’s sensitivity to the current economic environment is reflected in our dues, which remain the same as last year. We are flexible about your membership dues and our steadfast policy has always stated that no one will be denied membership based on financial considerations.  Please do not hesitate to contact the Membership Department to discuss dues or payment plans.

Pro-rated Membership Dues: January-June 2012

Annual Income / Membership Type

Individual
 Family
Full Time Student $75NA
BJ Friend$350$350
$0-$30,000$230$288
$31,000-40,000$330$380
$41,000-50,000 $408$490
$51,000-60,000 $490$593
$61,000-70,000$573$695
$71,000-85,000 $695$825
$86,000-100,000 $800 $980
$101,000-125,000
$1005$1210
$126,000-150,000
$1210$1455
$150,000-200,000
$1550$1800
$201,000+ $1990$2385

Special Tze’irim Rate

For first-time BJ members ages 20-29 with an annual income of less than $75,000.  Renewing members who joined BJ at this rate pay dues in $180 increments until age 30. If you are in a comfortable financial position, we recommend that you pay the Fair Share Dues above.

Annual Income / Membership TypeIndividual 20-29Family 20-29
Year 1 (New Members Only)$180$360
Year 2 (Renewing members who joined last year)$360$540
Year 3 (Renewing members)$540$720

Entrance Cards for the High Holy Days

Membership in the synagogue (except for the BJ Friend membership) includes entrance cards to the High Holy Day services.  Those with Individual or Full-Time Student memberships are entitled to one entrance card; those with Family memberships are entitle to two entrance cards.  Youth entrance cards will be issued to children ages 6-18 and full-time college or post-high school students as part of a Family membership.

BJ Friends may purchase cards for themselves and/or friends and family.  Those with Individual and Family memberships may also purchase additional cards for family and friends.

2011 Adult High Holy Day services will be held at:

SPSA 86th Street (The Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew at 86th Street and West End Avenue) Please note that this location is now full.
Jazz at Lincoln Center (Frederick P. Rose Hall at Broadway and 60th Street)
Symphony Space (2537 Broadway at 95th Street)

Entrance cards are required for all adults and children over age 6 for admission to all services, including Family Services.  All three types of entrance cards will be accepted at the Family Service. Click here for more information about High Holy Day services.

Information for New Members

The simple act of joining BJ is transformative. It is an acknowledgement that BJ is your community, its rabbis are your rabbis, and its sanctuary is your space.

Membership at B’nai Jeshurun includes:

  • Admission to High Holy Day services
  • Special rates for classes, dinners, and events
  • Support for lifecycle events and in times of difficulty
  • Group orientations for new members
  • Vibrant Hebrew School
  • Fair share dues system ensures no one will be turned away based on financial considerations
  • Much, much more!

For more information about becoming a member, please contact Jon Wood, Membership Associate, at 212-787-7600 x250. We look forward to welcoming you to our community!

Membership Application

We strongly encourage you to join or renew online.

Click here for the NEW MEMBER online Membership Application.

Click here for the RENEWING MEMBER online Membership Application.

If you prefer to mail a check, you can download a New Member Application or a Membership Renewal Application, as applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does membership cost?

We use a Fair Share Dues System which allows members to pay their dues based on their household income.

  • Can I pay my dues in installments?

Yes! When completing the membership application online you may choose to pay half your dues now. For alternative payment plans, please contact the membership office.

  • I am in a difficult financial position and cannot meet my designated level of dues. What should I do?

No one will be turned away for financial considerations. Please contact the membership office to discuss your situation.

  • I am not a member, can I purchase High Holy Day Entrance Cards?

Seating at our High Holy Day locations is limited; therefore entrance cards are issued only to members. We are not able to offer the option to wait in a non-member line. We encourage you to become a member to ensure entry to High Holy Day services.

  • When do I need to submit my membership application in order to receive High Holy Day Entrance Cards?

In order for us to provide entrance cards for Rosh Hashanah, membership applications must be in our office and date stamped by Friday, September 9.
In order for us to provide entrance cards for Yom Kippur, membership applications must be in our office and date stamped by Friday, September 16.

  • How will I receive my Entrance Cards?

Entrance cards will be mailed starting in early August. Beginning Monday, September 12, entrance cards will ONLY be available for pick up in the BJ office.

Contact the Membership Department

Belinda Lasky, Assistant Executive Director, x224

Jon Wood, Membership Associate, x250