Re: Are synagogue dues charity?
MosheAdler@aol.com
Wed, 9 Oct 1996 01:04:46 -0400
In a message dated 96-10-08 21:04:15 EDT, Jonathan Robbins wrote:
> why do synagogues charge people to belong? I know for a fact that not as
> many people participate in synagoge activities because membership is so
> expensive. Without knowing, I'm guessing that the issue of whether
> halacha considers membership dues charity is unanswered in the early
> texts. That's probably because, and again I'm only guessing, in the past
> people didn't have to PAY to pray!
>
> In this time of crisis in American Judaism, shouldn't synagogues be doing
> all that is possible to bring people in? Does this jive with high
> membership dues?
Praying IS free. But the siddurim have to be paid for, and the Rabbi and
Cantor have to eat, and so do their families. If you have a secretary, she
probably wants to get paid, and if you have a building, there's probably a
mortgage, and certainly utility bills. Not to mention bulletins and
announcements. It costs a lot of money to run a synagogue, and donations
don't always add up to enough income. Dues are collected to at least have
money for part of the bills. We always wish some wealthy member will endow
enough money for the expenses to be paid forever, but that is wishful
thinking.
Moshe Adler
(former shul treasurer)
MosheAdler@aol.com
adler09801@medone.org