Adopting a New Model of Sustaining and Growing Tifereth Israel Synagogue January 2014
Is Tifereth Israel a Business, Country Club, or Sacred Community We too often relate with our members as a business rather than as a kehilah kedosha, a sacred community.
Vision Statement CTI values the foundational efforts of past members, is committed to strengthen participation in Jewish life, and strives to create a legacy for future generations.
Mission Statement Through a commitment to observance, learning, Conservative Jewish values, Israel, prayer, and community, CTI supports families and individuals on their journey to enrich their lives.
How do we best financially sustain our Mission and Vision?
Current Dues Model Several categories of membership Current TIS dues structure: Family (Over 35) $2,320 Young Family (both 35 or younger) $850 Single (Over 35) $1,320 Young Single (35 or younger) $735 Associate Member $1,030 Student & Newlyweds Free Our current dues adjustment process
What s Wrong with the Current Model? General membership dissatisfaction It s complicated It s outdated Demographics: synagogue membership has changed
What s Wrong with the Current Model Dues adjustment process is alienating It promotes a fee for service mentality rather than creating a sacred relationship
Alternate Models Considered Progressive/Fair Share Tiered Philanthropic Sustaining Number
Recommended Model: Sustaining Number The Sustaining Number is the financial contribution per adult needed to fund the annual budget Members are asked annually to pledge the amount that they are able to contribute This gift combines their annual sustaining contribution and High Holy Day pledge
Recommended Model: Sustaining Number Members that are already donating more than the sustaining number will be asked to maintain or increase their gifts Members who believe that that they cannot afford the sustaining number will be asked to contribute as generously as they can
Why Was the Sustaining Model Chosen? It embraces a more positive, voluntary, and inclusive method of supporting the congregation It informs our members of the amount of money it takes per adult to sustain our congregation It empowers members to contribute to the wellbeing of the congregation as an act of tzedakah rather than fee
Why Was The Sustaining Model Chosen It removes biases based on age, size of household, or income It eliminates an uncomfortable and sometimes onerous dues adjustment process It eliminates a separate High Holy Day appeal
How the Sustaining Number Was Calculated The Sustaining Number was calculated by dividing the net operating expense anticipated for 2014/15 by the number of adult members Net operating expense is the sum of all expenses, reduced by all revenues, other than dues and High Holy Day pledges
FY 14/15 Sustaining Number for Tifereth Israel Synagogue One Adult Household - $1,450.00 Two Adult Household - $2,900.00
Some Final Thoughts Other synagogues have adopted this model successfully Our success at Tifereth Israel will be determined by the support and generosity of our members Moving away from the traditional fixed dues model will bring opportunities and challenges
The New Pledge Model
Thanks to our Dues Model Task Force Stuart Karasik* Norman Katz Seth Krosner Jerry Hermes Marla Lobenstein Amy Stanley Shayna Kaufmann BarbaraSue Barnes Rabbi Rosenthal Beth Klareich Steve Cohen Nivi Rahm *Chairperson
Questions