MEMBERSHIP TYPES & FINANCIAL INFORMATION

If you want to become a member, you will not be turned away because of a lack of financial means. Everyone is an essential and equal part of our community regardless of your financial reality.

At Beth El, we offer three different membership types: General Membership, Tribe Membership, and BENS (Beth El Nursery School) Membership. Every household, regardless of financial realities, fits into one of these types:

MEMBERSHIP TYPES AT A GLANCE
		General Membership	Tribe Membership (Must be between 20-39 years old, without dependents)	BENS Membership (Must have at least one child enrolled in BENS for the academic school year)	Public Attendee
Engagement Opportunities	Register for Special Holiday Community Celebrations and Attend Religious Services & Torah Study1
	Register for Special Annual Programming: Shabbaton, Beth El Circles, Shabbat on the Block
	Register for Complimentary High Holy Days Service Passes
	Pastoral Support
	Recitation of your loved ones' names at the Shabbat service on their Yarhzeit (Death Anniversary)
	Serve on Volunteer Committees
	Attend Members-Only Ongoing Engagement Groups: Chorus, Connections, etc.
Financial Contributions	Annual Dues2
	Annual Security Fee
	One-time Capital Contribution
Reserved Opportunities	Eligible to vote on matters submitted to a vote of the members & serve on the Board of Directors
	Apply for Financial Aid
	Enrollment in Youth & Family Education (YAFE) 3		N/A
	BENS Priority Registrations		N/A
	Camp Kee Tov Priority Registration		N/A
	BENS & Camp Kee Tov Reduced Tuition Rate		N/A

1) You are invited to attend and participate in our Saturday morning Torah study. The opportunity to lead Torah Study is reserved for Beth El members.                    
2) Beth El relies on the financial support of the congregation. Because everyone's financial reality is different, please visit www.bethelberkeley.org/slidingscale for more information.  
3) Households new to Youth & Family Education "YAFE" may enroll for one trial academic year through 5th grade at the non-member rate. Membership and all related opportunities are not included.

All of  Beth El’s membership types have their own benefits and responsibilities:

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP

Along with all services and engagement opportunities that Beth El has to offer, households who choose to join Beth El as General Members can enjoy access to our dedicated clergy team for pastoral support and lifecycle events, become eligible for enrollment in our YAFE (Youth & Family Education program), as well as receive member discounts and priority registration at BENS, Camp Kee Tov, adult education courses, and other programs. Financial Aid for these programs is also available to General Members for those who qualify.

Simply put, if you want to be part of our community, then you are part of our community. 

The filling out forms helps us communicate with you, integrate you into the community and, yes, help you support the synagogue community. We appreciate you taking the time to fill out the forms, but your desire to join us and be in community with us is the most important thing.

General Membership Financial Commitments
Members are required to make financial contributions. Every dollar received goes back to supporting and sustaining our sacred community. 

There are three separate pledges that a new General Member household commits to fulfill: 

• Annual Membership Dues - A pledge that fits your financial reality; Either Base Dues (currently $3,588), a sliding scale pledge, or another pledge that fits your financial reality. For more information click here. 
• Annual Security Fee - $200, and
• A one-time Capital Contribution - $3,000. This commitment can be fulfilled over a number of years, and you may defer initiating payments during your first year of membership.