Our Voluntary Commitment Model - T'rumot Halev

Temple Emeth has a voluntary commitment model, based on Gifts of the Heart — T'rumot Halev.  Members determine their own level of financial commitment to the synagogue.

Our goal is to be a diverse and welcoming congregation, while meeting Temple Emeth's financial obligations. We wish to avoid putting stress on any household which, under a fixed-dues structure, would necessitate  a request for a downward adjustment of their dues. By asking you to voluntarily  commit to an amount that is appropriate for you, we hope that you will choose to be both generous and realistic — motivated by the level of commitment you feel to Temple Emeth and to the Jewish community in general. 

Under our voluntary commitment model, your membership includes:

• Every religious service and holiday celebration — Shabbat and Festivals
• A wide variety of programming, including Adult Education, Trachtenberg Lecture, Scholar-in-Residence Program, Shabbatons, and Torah Study
• High Holy Day tickets, including for your adult children
• Religious School tuition (grades K—7) for your children
• Simchas, like Baby Namings and Birthday Blessings
• Sorrows, like Shiva Minyans and Funerals
• A community that celebrates, sings, mourns, learns, and kvetches together

We will continue to do other fundraising events, such as Shalach Manot, the Spring Gala and Bazaar, and may continue to charge for special events like our Chanukah Dinner and Second Night Congregational Passover Seder.  Meals before other special events also have a cost.

In Exodus, Chapter 25, in Parashat Terumah, God instructs Moses to speak to the Israelites and ask for gifts to enable them to build the Tabernacle.  "Let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them." This quote appears on the cornerstone of Temple Emeth. In Mishkan HaNefesh, the question is asked, "What gave the Tabernacle and the Temple its holiness?  The answer:  "That they were created through heartfelt generosity." 

At Temple Emeth, your heartfelt generosity is needed, and our appreciation is beyond measure.

Let us work together to support and sustain our vibrant Temple Emeth Community, now and far into the future.

Membership payment
To pay by credit card, please contact the Temple office staff at 201-833-1322 or info@emeth.org.