Why Be A Member Of Beth Yehuda

This is the question that we have been asked quite often and in this message, I will try to give some answers.

Our Shul provides both religious and social services to many in this community:

• We have regular minyonim on Shabbos, yom tovim and weekdays. These minyonim are especially important for those who have a yahrtzeit or are in the year of mourning for a parent. It is not asking too much, that if you have availed yourself of the minyonim for your needs, that you also frequently participate and contribute to the minyan with your presence so that others can say kaddish when they need to.
• Our Moreh D'Asra, Rabbi Lawrence, shlita, gives shiurim, addresses the congregation on shabbosim, and yom tovim and answers halachic questions. He spends many hours a week in personal meetings with those of us who need his help in regard to yeshivos, shiduchim, simchos, pre-wedding counseling and many other matters. The Rabbi attends, enhances and often officiates at the simchos in our lives such as brissim, bar mitzvos, weddings, sheva brochos, etc. and lehavdil, hospital visits and funerals. The Rabbi's involvement in these matters should not be taken for granted, especially by those whose support of the shul leaves much to be desired.
• Social aspects of shul life include the sholosh seudos, kidushim, Chanuka and Purim parties, etc. These occasions serve an important function in allowing members to get to know each other in a pleasant and relaxed social setting.
• Community involvement: We take great pride in providing the location and support for the summer SEED program and for having made our premises available for Rabbi Navaro's kolel, as well as for some of the activities of the Kolel Baal HaBatim of Willowbrook. These programs fill the need of spreading Torah in our community.

Membership dues provide the largest source of funds needed to run the shul. The shul could not operate if all those who partake of its benefits were "free loaders". Especially in spring and summer, there is often not enough money in the till to pay our mortgage and utilities. These financial burdens must be shouldered by all. The excuse that "I am a member of another shul" is not acceptable. Tell the other shul that you are a member of Beth Yehuda! When you and your family derive benefits from our facilities and services then you accept the responsibility of sharing in the financial burden.

As for those who partake of the shul's benefits but cannot be members because of their principles: please do not insult us with these self serving platitudes. If you do not want to be a member in a club that would accept you, then get over your inferiority complex!

In order to delineate more clearly the privileges of membership, the board, with the Rabbi's approval, has decided to institute a number of rules which are listed below. In case you feel that you are adversely affected by these rules because you are not yet a member, then the choice is clear.

Definition of a member:
An individual of the Jewish faith who has remittes membership dues for the current fiscal year (or has made an acceptable arrangement with the treasurer to remit dues by the end of Succos) and who complies with the religious, philosophical and social mores required of members as determined by the board.

Membership Benefits:

1. Voting rights at meetings (one vote per member family)
2. Chain calls (involvement or subject of chain calls)
3. Mailings (receive all shul mailings)
4. Hall rental reductions
5. chair rental reductions
6. First choice and reduction on seats for Yomim Noroyim
7. Family events announced
8. Bookings in shul for simchas (first rights)
9. Aliyos and kibudim on Shabbos and Yom Tov (unless a Halachic issue arises, to be determined by the Rabbi)
• Non-members will not receive aliyos or kibudim on Shabbos and Yom Tov (unless a halachic issue arises, to be determined by the Rabbi. This policy excludes the selling of kibudim)
• Community guests (e.g. extended family) may receive aliyos and kibudim on Shabbos
• New residents will receive a 6-month grace period to become a member
10. Aliyos and kibudim preferences during the week

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