We have to pay dues because the building has a mortgage, heating/cooling
bills, and an electricity bill. The siddurim have to be bought, replaced
as necessary, the rabbi needs a salary, also the hazzan; the coffee cake
and herring have to be paid for...there is no free oneg -er- lunch. If a
benefactor bequeathed a few million dollars in a trust fund to a synagogue,
it might waive all fees but otherwise, we have dues! If we had only minimal
dues, the synagogue would get shabby. People want to donate for a new Torah
but not for a new floor in the bathroom. If you serve on the business
aspect committees of the synagogue you realize how necessary the dues and
fees are. I much prefer serving on the ritual and education committees
however!
Obviously in cases of hardship (not because the person prefers to join the
country club or buy a fancy car but because he has no discretionary income
after buying food and clothing and shelter) special arrangements should be
made. I do think we should encourage Jewish population growth however, and
advocate free religious school and maybe even dues reduction if desired for
families who have more than 2 children.
Irene Stern Friedman
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/5013/