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Membership Renewal Form and Information

Starting August 1, it's time once again to renew your membership to Congregation Dorshei Tzedek! We are thrilled you wish to remain a part of an engaged, open, and welcoming community, committed to Reconstructionist Judaism and our Core Values.
 
The online membership renewal form includes the Returning Member & Dues payment information.

Membership Contributions & Dues Structure

Congregation Dorshei Tzedek relies on the income raised through dues, fees, and gifts to support our community. We are committed to doing so in a way that is consistent with our identity, basing our financial structure on values and inspiration drawn from Jewish tradition. These values include fairness, dignity, inclusiveness, and generosity.

Our intention is that finances are never be a barrier to membership. The following outlines our dues structure, as well as fees and gifts:

The hetzi-shekel portion ($125 per adult member)

This is derived from the account in the book of Exodus of the Israelites' first contribution toward building the sanctuary. When Moses and Aaron took a census of the adult members of the community, they also collected a half-shekel from each person as a contribution for the sanctuary. This contribution represents the principle of the equality of all members and symbolizes membership and commitment to the community.

Income-based dues

Dues levels are set on a sliding scale, representing a goal of 1% - 1.8% of household income, embodying our community's commitment to justice and fairness. Each household is asked to self-assess and pay dues based on their household income from all sources. Please see the chart at the bottom of this page to see all current suggested levels.

Nediv Lev

The hetzi-shekel portion and income-based dues do not meet our revenue needs as a congregation. Therefore, the third component of our revenue-raising structure is nediv lev, or "giving from the heart." This phrase is taken from the book of Exodus, chapter 35, where the Israelites fulfill their communal obligation to bring materials for the building of the sanctuary, each contributing according to their ability with a "willing heart." In the spring, we invite all members to consider making Nediv Lev contributions to commemorate life events or as part of our annual campaign. These donations provide approximately 15% of our yearly revenue needs.

A word about income-based dues targets

The hetzi-shekel and income-based dues portions of our financial structure altogether comprise approximately 66% of our budget. Our dues revenue depends on members self-assessing and paying at the levels shown in the dues table. However, we recognize that life circumstances may affect some members' ability to pay dues at the target levels. All are welcome to self-assess at levels that match their ability to support CDT. While we ask those who can to meet the dues targets, no approval is necessary to self-assess at a level other than the suggested amount. 

Payment

Membership renewal opens on August 1. Although we request that you pay the first installment of your yearly dues by September 1 and that your dues are paid in full by March 15, the dollar amount and frequency of installments is entirely up to you. If members do not complete paperwork, or provide other indications of intent to renew by April 1, we will assume you wish to be removed as a member.

If you plan to discontinue your membership, we would be very interested in hearing of your experiences with CDT. If you would like to schedule an exit interview with our VPs of Membership, please be in touch with them at outreach@dorsheitzedek.org.

You can view your transaction history, pay dues online, schedule future credit card payments, and verify your account information at any time on the My Transactions page of the CDT website. Access to information provided by members on their dues forms is strictly limited to our Treasurer and administrative staff.

If you have questions, please contact Executive Director of Operations Margaret Farmer (857.228.0228) or our Treasurer Jennifer Levine-Fried.

Thank you!

Income-Related Dues Chart


Thu, November 7 2024 6 Cheshvan 5785