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Ask the Rabbi: February 2004

By Rabbi Melanie Arron

Dear Rabbi: Why do synagogues charge dues? Why do congregations require dues? Shouldn't everyone be welcome without having to pay? After all, a synagogue is not a country club.

Answer: The issue of congregational dues (and the sale of High Holy Day tickets) comes up regularly in American Jewish communities. Many people resent the obligation to support congregations financially and have the impression that other religious communities do not make such demands on their members.

Let's start with the issue of comparisons with the non-Jewish world. Many Jews assume that Christian congregations do not have to have dues because of their weekly collections during services. Having spoken to many ministers and priests over the years, I found the reality is different. In many churches, collections are in part or in total for tzedakah, that is, charitable needs that go beyond the maintenance of the institution. Collections are taken for those in need and to help other new or struggling congregations. They are inadequate as sources of institutional income because in the modern world it is hard for a church to be financially viable, to hire staff, and to take on commitments without having a sense of its anticipated income. Many churches ask their members for annual pledges, which, in essence, are very much like dues.

Obligating members of the community to support community institutions is nothing new in the Jewish world. All through the Middle Ages, Jewish communities levied "taxes" on their members, though of course there was no IRS for enforcement. These community taxes were often assessed on a proportional basis, with the wealthy carrying a significant burden. Your obligation to support community institutions increased over time and in situations of heightened community need.

When I was working in New York City I encountered a congregation that had crowds of over a thousand for the High Holy Days but was ultimately unable to maintain itself in its facility because so few people actually became members. People in the neighborhood counted on the congregation's presence when they required Jewish services, but felt that "everybody was supporting the congregation" so it wasn't necessary for them to do so. If we value the presence of synagogues and other Jewish organizations then it is our duty to support them. Unlike a health club, supporting a congregation need not be a decision based on day-to-day use. If we enjoyed the services of a congregation when our children were younger, then we have a moral obligation to continue to support the congregation so that it can be there for other families as well. If we expect a response from the Jewish community when we have a need, then we need to support local institutions so that they thrive on a continuous basis.
Financial need should not prevent an individual from considering membership in a congregation. In preparing to answer the question above, I spoke with several of our community rabbis, and I am confident that in cases of financial hardship all of the local congregations will accept members with consideration for their situation. Unfortunately, individuals sometimes fear that congregations will impose intensive scrutiny or will not respect the confidentiality of their situation, and so they hesitate to join a congregation.

Let me share part of a letter I recently received:

When I made the decision to become a member, I was in the midst of a very difficult period of my life, both personally and financially, but really wanted my family to belong to a shul. I was quite nervous to meet with the Dues and Fees Committee, as I was a single mom, unsure about my income, and had heard many rumors about the committee meetings.

When I arrived at Congregation X, I was warmly welcomed by the members of the committee. I was told that the purpose of meeting was for the committee to get to know me and in return, by the time I was done that evening, I would know some congregants. The committee asked many questions about my family, my situation and me. I finally realized that this meeting was not about money. The committee members were there to introduce me to the many services and programs that the congregation has to offer. I was overwhelmed with the care and compassion I received and was confident in the choice I had made to join a congregation.

We are fortunate to have a variety of local congregations all of them anxious to serve our local community, in good times and in bad. The financial support of those doing well allows us to welcome those facing financial hardship.

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