Financial Obligations of Members

Important Membership Information

Fiscal Year: July 1 through June 30.

Our Congregation welcomes all members of the Jewish community and their families. A non-profit organization, Congregation Shir Hadash is supported by the fair share commitments of our members and fees for specific programs. Every member is asked to make an annual fair-share commitment which is our primary source of income. Additionally, new members are asked to contribute to our Major Repair and Replacement Fund during their first six years in the congregation.

The quality of our programs depends on the support of our members. Our more able members are asked to be as generous as possible so that we can be generous to those of more limited means.

“As tiny scales join to form a strong coat of mail, so do many donations combine to form a large total of good.”
  — Rabbi Eliezer ben Pedat

Fair Share Commitment

Shir Hadash is a fair-share congregation. Our income is based upon each member contributing to the congregation, based on ability to pay. Fair share at Shir Hadash is 1.65% of a family’s combined gross income (salary and investment income), with a cap of $7,500 per year. Members are asked annually to state their commitment for the year. We expect that as income increases, you will increase your fair share. At the same time, if your income is reduced, we understand that your fair share may also need to be reduced.

The Annual Commitment (Dues) and Fees Chairperson processes all applications. The Congregation appreciates your commitment to sharing the burden of providing for basic community services.

Major Repair and Replacement Fund (MMRF)

New members are assessed a fee to support the repair and replacement of major capital items within Shir Hadash facilities; for instance, installing new roofs, carpeting, or HVAC repairs. This fee is 100% of the annual fair share commitment over a six-year period.

For example, if a member’s fair share commitment is $1200 per year, their MMRF obligation is $1200. Spread over six years, this would be $200 per year in addition to the $1200 annual dues. Members are welcome to complete these payments earlier.

We believe that linking the assessments to the fair share commitment ensures that the program is implemented equitably.

Contacts

If you have any questions about the Fair Share process, please contact , Executive Director, or , Dues and Fee Chair.