Individualized Giving

Temple Emanuel is grateful to the many members of our community who provide us with the financial support necessary to sustain our work. Historically, synagogues have relied upon an annual financial commitment from affiliated members known as “dues” to support programming, subsidize the cost of Jewish education, maintain the building, and remunerate staff for their efforts. These annual commitments make up fully one-third of our current revenue. 

The “dues” model that has sustained American synagogues since their inception is facing significant headwinds. Temple, like most synagogues in America, is contending with decreasing dues revenue as our community’s philanthropic priorities diversify and their sense of obligation undergoes a generational shift. We also suspect that there are many in the broader community – and hopefully even reading this paragraph – who don’t wish to explore “membership” or “paying dues” because they:  

• Are more geographically mobile than previous generations; 
• Shy away from institutional commitments in favor of shorter-term subscriptions; 
• Don’t like to talk about their personal finances when asking for alternative or reduced arrangements. 

We see in these trends an opportunity to redefine how and why people are asked to contribute financially to support the life of Temple. Instead of boxing the participants of our community into a one-size-fits-few model for “dues” contributions, with different categories based on one’s age and stage of life, we seek to create a more transparent, individualized model of giving at Temple Emanuel. 

As with the full Strategic Plan, we recognize that these are all noble aspirations and are working to operationalize this plan. You’re probably again wondering: what does this mean for me?

What This Means For You

For those who have long called Temple home and are comfortable in the current “dues” model, the short answer is that your experience need not change much. We heard you during our listening sessions and throughout this multi-year process and have endeavored to keep everything you love about Temple. Your “Dues” statement might now say “Annual Financial Commitment” and we might ask you to log into your ShulCloud account to authorize a payment, but we are happy to keep asking you for your generous support in the way you prefer. 

For those who are exploring Temple, are new to the community, or find the current “dues” model challenging, we hope this change will eliminate perceived barriers and invite you to experience Temple in new ways. Would you prefer to receive a statement from Temple at the start of our fiscal year (July 1) or at a different time when you are considering your other charitable contributions (likely in November or December)? Would you prefer to offer your support in one lump sum or to make a sustaining monthly contribution? Would you be open to talking with a member of our staff team about your philanthropic priorities in sustaining Jewish life through Temple? An individualized giving model offers you the flexibility to support Temple in a way that aligns with your values and your needs.

If you are new to our community, we invite you to come to a service, check out a volunteer project or adult education opportunity, and speak with a member of our clergy or staff team. We will ask you for financial support that aligns with your values after you have found your community and have made Temple your own.

Q & A

Does this mean I don’t have to pay dues? 

Temple depends on your recurring donation, your “dues” or “Annual Financial Commitment” to operate. If these dollars cease, we will not be able to exist as your Jewish home in the South Hills.  While it may be perceived as trite, we truly couldn’t do it without you.  

Annual Financial Commitments from our members make up a full third of our operating expenses. As you think about your personal philanthropic commitments and which organizations are aligned most closely with your values, we hope you will continue your support of Temple. 

How will Temple sustain itself without dues?

Put simply, we couldn’t. To offer Temple’s current level of programming, pastoral care, and leadership within the Jewish community costs about $1,800 per affiliated adult. We need you to continue supporting Temple in ways that align with your values, and whether you call your financial commitment “dues” or an “annual financial commitment,” these tax-deductible dollars are the philanthropic contributions that sustain Temple. For some, thinking of this contribution as “dues” is familiar and thus comforting. For others, particularly those who didn’t grow up in the synagogue world or who are newly exploring Temple as their religious home, the concept of “dues” can disrupt their exploration before it begins. We are a small enough, nimble enough community to personalize this conversation for each person/family through an individualized giving model. 

How will individualized giving work?

Instead of basing a recommended contribution on your age and stage in life (single member, family member, dual member, young member, senior member, etc.), we will ask you to consider your aligned values, Temple’s needs, and your personal financial situation in a more tailored way. This doesn’t mean asking for your W-2, it simply means adding transparency and asking you to support Temple in a personally significant way. As always, no one will be turned away from this sacred community for an inability to contribute financially: your time and talents remain as important to us as your treasure. 

Are there ways to offer our financial support online?

Absolutely! Everyone can make a donation through Temple’s website or by mailing a check to Temple. Existing members of our community can login to their ShulCloud accounts to change preferences, divide your annual contribution into less-daunting monthly payments, and even (coming soon!) authorize a set-it-and-forget-it way of sustaining Temple. Contact Finance & Development Director Rebecca Closson to learn more! 

What if I want to talk to someone about my contributions?

Temple’s staff is excited to talk about why Temple matters to you, how and when you choose to be involved, and how much your financial support of Temple matters. As part of our individualized giving approach, a member of our team will reach out on a cadence you help select to invite you into this conversation. You can always reach out to Rabbi Aaron Meyer or Finance & Development Director Rebecca Closson if you don’t want to wait! 

What if I really don’t want to talk to someone about my contributions?

Fair enough. Talking about money is stressful, and that’s not our goal. We still need your help and support but approaching you in ways that feel most comfortable is important to us, too. When you receive an invitation to a conversation, you can choose to decline or to engage with us more episodically over the phone or by email. That, too, is possible in an individualized giving model.