I don't know what halachot exist regarding dues, so I won't guess and make
assumptions on that basis.
The idea of "counting one's charity" comes from the commandment of
ma'aser, giving one tenth of one's income to the Temple in Jerusalem for
operational costs. When the Temple was standing, this 10% was mandatory
for everyone. Now many have the custom to give 10% of their income to
charitable purposes. So contributing a mandatory amount to a synagogue is
not so new.
> 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?
It's important to have an obligatory amount that every congregant pays so
that they don't take things for granted. If a synagogue is spending more
than the majority of its members think is reasonable, someone should try
to reduce operating costs. In cases when members are financially unable
to afford the regular dues, a "scale" should be in place so they can
contribute and not feel like a charity case; my mother helped institute
such a policy at her synagogue many years ago.
Judaism requires commitment. Letting someone have a free ride because
they would rather buy season tickets to the opera than pay for a qualified
Rabbi is another version of modifying Jewish law because someone doesn't
want to keep it.
Ellen Solomon