Shalom,

Welcome to another year at Congregation B'nai Shalom.

Congregation B’nai Shalom is a place where you have an opportunity to participate actively in the joys of Judaism and to affirm your commitment to continuing Jewish education for you and your children. Most importantly, we want you to know that we are a family, a shared community of concern. When you have a simcha, we share your joy. When you need strength and comfort, we are there with you. We hope you will continue to consider Congregation B'nai Shalom your home.

Because last year’s membership renewal process was so effective, we are broadening the scope of the membership form to include Religious School registration this year, as well as membership. Like last year, the entire process can be completed online so there are no membership packets to pick up. And with the broader scope, there are also no Religious School registration packets to pick up.

We are asking you to complete your Membership Renewal Worksheet and School Registration Form using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet because of the number of options and to improve the calculation of dues and tuition. Please read the Renewal Instructions before opening the worksheet. If you do not have access to Microsoft Excel, you may complete the worksheet at the synagogue during the morning of Sunday May 11 from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm. We will have people with laptops available to help you. If you are unavailable during those times, you may call the temple office and they will be happy to complete the worksheet with you over the phone, print two copies and send them to you for your signature and supporting documentation.

This year we are also asking for full contact information (names, addresses, phones, and emails) to ensure that the information we have in our membership management system is complete and accurate.

Contributions to Project Share and ARZA program can also be added to your worksheet total. Your contributions to Project Share help offset the cost of any needed adjustments to families with financial hardship. I want to thank all members who participated last year and urge all who are able to do so this year to fulfill the mitzvah of Tzedakah by supporting this program.

Please note that as of this year, we are no longer accepting credit cards for membership and tuition. Accepting credit cards cost the congregation over $21,000 in fees and lost revenue last year. In order to help stabilize our finances in the slowing economy, the Board of Directors elected to forego accepting credit cards to avoid a larger increase in dues. If this poses a significant hardship on your family, please contact the treasurer, .

We offer the following authorized payment options for you to choose from:

• Payment by check in one installment
• Payment by check in two installments (50% due now, balance due by 12/15/2008)
• Automatic Bank Draft on 10 month plan
• Automatic Bank Draft on 12 month plan. Form must received by May 31, 2008

If you have extenuating circumstances that do not allow you to utilize our authorized payment methods, you must contact our treasurer (Neil Feldman) or me for approval of an alternative plan in advance.

For those members who are experiencing financial hardship, we are able to offer a reduction in your annual membership commitment and religious school tuition, thanks to the generosity of our temple community. If needed, we can also defer building assessments by extending payment over multiple years. Please contact our bookkeeper, , if you need an Abatement Application. Because circumstances often change, we require that you apply for Abatement every year that this is necessary. All Abatement Request forms are due by May 31, 2008.

As always, we welcome your comments, questions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me or any member of the Board of Directors at any time.

L’Shalom,

, President for FY09-FY10