Join Us

JOIN US

You can find lots of useful information about membership and engagement at Temple Emanu-El on our website. However, we believe that membership is too important to be reduced to filling out an application and sending a check. We want you to come meet Rabbi Matthew Zerwekh and our professional team. Join with us for a Shabbat, High Holidays or Festival service. Check out one of our many programs, speakers and events. If you are interested in our Religious School, meet with our educator and learn the exciting educational opportunities for pre-K through High School students. Most important of all, meet our members–founding members and their children and grandchildren members, and members who are new to our community. That is the best way to learn how Temple Emanu-El is where you belong.

All are Welcome

Temple Emanu-El welcomes all Jewish families into our Congregational Family, including inter-married, same-sex, transgender and families of color. We invite all members of every family to fully participate in the educational, ritual and social life of our congregation, recognizing that the very different perspectives and backgrounds of our members only add to the richness of our community. We encourage all of our members to become more active participants.

So What About Costs?

We understand that cost may be a concern if you are thinking about joining a congregation. We can’t make if free, but we will make it fair and understandable, and will work with you to find a way for you to belong at Temple Emanu-El. Our approach to cost is guided by four bedrock principles:

• We will provide the Temple with the funds it requires to meet the needs of its members;
• We will fairly and equitably allocate the cost of doing so among its members;
• Dues and charges will be easily understood and administered;
• We will makes Temple membership available to all who value it, and will never deny membership to anyone who lacks the financial means.

We have many discounts and special incentives for new members, for younger members (a sliding scale of no more than $72 for individuals under 40), and for members with children in our Early Childhood Community, to make Temple Emanu-El even more affordable.

We also offer Dual Membership at a reduced cost, if you are also a member of another congregation. If you live only part of the year in our area or are looking to stay connected to family members who belong to Temple Emanu-El, this may be right for you.

You can find more information about dues and other costs by calling our Executive Director.

However, because our approach to costs is flexible and fact-sensitive, we cannot tell you on our website what your costs of membership would be. Instead, to learn more, please contact our office to set up a meeting with him, our President, or the Rabbi.

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Intermarried? Reform Judaism Welcomes You

Yours, mine, ours: Every couple begins with two individuals from different backgrounds. Interfaith couples and their families also face the special challenges posed by different religious traditions and sometimes cultures.

Dealing with interfaith issues can be difficult at times. And, finding relevant information and resources to help you through the matter can also be a challenge.  Rabbi Zerwekh will be pleased to discuss these issues with you and recommend resources.

Becoming a Jew

If you are interested in converting to Judaism, we will put you in contact with Rabbi Zerwekh and he will have resources to help you understand what that entails and what Judaism is.

What’s Missing from Our Congregation?… YOU!

Created to examine the value of belonging to a synagogue and to dispel myths about synagogue membership, Visit us and learn about us. We hope you will join with us as a member of this f synagogue, which is a house of worship, a house of assembly, and a house of learning.

Temple Emanu-El – for wherever you find yourself on your Jewish journey.