Kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh.
All of Israel is responsible
for one another.
Actions and resources here.
Kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh.
All of Israel is responsible for one another.
Actions and resources here.
Membership
What Does It Mean To Be a Member at TBE?
Membership means having a community, a communal home, and a rabbi to call your own. As members we are there for others, and others are there for us as we celebrate, grow, grieve, and pray. We fall out of touch, and we fall back in touch. We learn from each other, we feed each other, and we accept each other. Members are also eligible for discounts on religious school tuition, cemetery plots, and special events. Any person or family who has a Jewish identity or seeks to develop one is warmly invited to add a square to our patchwork.
What to Expect When You Join
Over this past year, we have streamlined our membership intake process and we are pretty proud of the result - it's straightforward, efficient, and personal with the intention of getting to know each member upon their joining our congregation so we can help connect each member/member family with other folks in the community.
Here's how it works:
- Head over to our Membership Form, fill it out, and submit. Mazel tov and bruchim ha'baim (welcome)!
- Once we receive your membership form, we will be in touch to either set up a meeting or finish collecting information over email (based on your preference indicated on the form). The meeting will be with Rabbi Estrin, and Office and Communications Manager Grace Kellar-Long with the option of having Kadima Beth El Director Abby Halpern join us if requested. The purpose is to fill in any information that we may still need, find out what you are interested in being involved with at TBE, and just get to know you better!
- After the conversation, we will reach out to go over dues payment and collect any yahrzeit observances you may have.
- A TBE member will reach out to welcome you to the community and set up a time to deliver a new member bag.
- That's all! You're in! We're so excited that you chose TBE to be your spiritual and Jewish home here in Portland.
Voluntary Annual Contribution
Consistent with our core value of egalitarianism, Temple Beth El was one of the first synagogues in the country to adopt a funding model based on voluntary annual support, as opposed to compulsory dues. Our policy is:
Financial limitations should never be a barrier to TBE membership. Members are encouraged to make an annual contribution that supports the community to the best of their ability.
In order to operate our 21,000 square foot facility, offer a full range of services, programs, and life cycle events, and provide high quality Jewish education, the actual cost per member household is $3,000 for 2024/25. We understand that some will not be able to contribute at that level, and it is our hope that others will consider joining TBE as a Community Level Supporter by contributing beyond that amount. This way, we can ensure that TBE will continue to be a vibrant home for Jewish life that welcomes all.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the office at office@tbemaine.org or at (207) 774-2649 and we would be happy to talk about this.
Your generosity is deeply appreciated. Todah rabah – thank you!
