I am writing this year’s dues letter with deep gratitude for our Beth El community. It has been a year full of challenges, but also one of powerful connection. Beth El has continued to be our anchor—providing us with space for contemplation and connection as we pray for the hostages, support Israel, and confront rising antisemitism. In our sanctuary, we have lifted our voices in song, found meaning in tradition, and drawn strength from one another—during moments of joy and heartache. Beth El is here for each of us as we celebrate births, b’nei mitzvot, and weddings and as we comfort each other at funerals and in navigating difficult times.
Earlier this month, we marked a milestone with our gala celebrating a decade of Rabbi Schuck’s visionary leadership at our beloved shul. This joyous event reflected the vibrant spirit and unwavering commitment of our congregation to the pillars of prayer, Israel, music, and Torah learning. It was a testament to the energy and dedication each of you brings to making Beth El a place of inspiration and unity.
Beth El is a thriving community. Our membership is growing, and the building is filled with tots running to the bima for challah and grape juice on shabbat mornings, adults of all ages at sisterhood events and limmud classes led by our gifted rabbis, people inspired by the innovative musical programs of Shoresh Halev and the kavanah contemplative services and those coming for daily minyan to say kaddish or just be with the community. Our synagogue is a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
Our fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. Each year, our professional staff, lay leadership on the Audit and Finance Committee, and the Board of Trustees carefully craft a budget that will both allow the synagogue to provide the meaningful programming and presence it does for each of us, provide for ongoing maintenance and other capital needs of the building itself, and keep dues as low as possible. For the 2025-26 year, dues will increase by 3.5%. Due to heightened security needs in today’s climate, we will raise the security fee by $60 per family.This adjustment is essential to maintain the robust security measures protecting Beth El, and is in line with the security fees charged by other shuls in our area (even though this fee covers only about ⅔ of the rising costs relating to security).
Later today you will receive your annual dues bill, which includes the option for enhanced membership with reserved High Holiday seating. If you do not wish to select enhanced membership, please indicate this when paying. The bill will outline all fees.
We require payment for membership prior to the High Holidays. Please make every effort to pay as soon as possible. Your prompt payment is very helpful to the synagogue’s cash flow, financial planning and secures your High Holiday seats.
If you wish to establish a payment plan to pay your bill monthly online via eCheck or credit card (or some other time frame), please contact Olivier Vogel at ovogel@bethelnr.org.
We never want finances to be a barrier to membership and Beth El prides itself on working with each individual family who is experiencing financial hardship to adjust their dues accordingly. If you are experiencing hardship, please reach out to Elizabeth Clain, Executive Director, at (914) 235-2700, ext. 225 or eclain@bethelnr.org.
The clergy team and lay leaders are already working on the High Holidays, and designing services filled with inspiration, reflection, singing, and learning. We’ll be in touch later in the summer with more information regarding the High Holidays.
Finally I want to thank you for your commitment to our synagogue. At this time, it is more important than ever that we stand together and support our Jewish institutions. Thank you.
