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.

Now that the synagogue has been using the MM2000 (synagogue database) system for the past two years, we are at the point that individual bills can be automatically generated based on past billing history. So instead of the spreadsheets you have filled out in the previous two years, you are receiving a bill around that itemizes dues, tuition, and fees. You will be able to annotate and change as needed, e.g., to add ARZA and Project Share to the bill. First payments will still be due on June 1. Note: Starting June 1, ACH drafts will occur on the 15th instead of the 20th of the month. Brotherhood and Sisterhood membership forms will be included, though paid for separately.

You must return the bottom part of the bill with your partial payment, full payment, or ACH information.
You must re-authorize the synagogue to do an ACH.

Contributions to Project Share and ARZA (the Association of Reform Zionists of America) program can also be added to your worksheet total. ARZA dues are $36. 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 we do not accept credit cards for membership and tuition. 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 12/15/2009)
• Automatic Bank Draft on 10 month plan
• Automatic Bank Draft on 12 month plan. Form must received by May 31, 2009

If you have extenuating circumstances that do not allow you to utilize our authorized payment methods, you must contact our Treasurer, Adrianna Bailey, or President, Jonas Goldenberg, 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. If you need an Annual Membership Commitment Adjustment Application, please contact our bookkeeper, by e-mail or at 508-366-7191 x208. Because circumstances often change, we require that you apply for an adjustment every year that this is necessary.

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,

, Treasurer

, President