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.

We are providing individual bills which are generated automatically based on past billing history. You are receiving a bill that itemizes membership, tuition, and fees. ARZA, Brotherhood and Sisterhood dues are included as options but need to be paid in full regardless of payment plan chosen for dues and tuition.

Voluntary contributions can also be added to your invoice total. This year we are offering additional levels of contributions. Your voluntary contributions help offset the cost of any adjustments for families with significant 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 your fellow congregants who, without your help would not be able to maintain their membership.

Please note that we do not accept credit cards for membership and tuition. In order to help stabilize our finances in this slow economy, the Board of Directors elected to avoid processing fees and forego accepting credit cards thereby avoiding a larger increase in dues. If this poses a significant hardship on your family, please email the treasurer, or call her at 508-529-6185.

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

• Payment by check in one installment (due June 1)
• Payment by check in two installments (50% due 5/31/2010, balance due by 11/30/2010)
• Automatic Bank Draft on 12 month plan. Form must received by May 31, 2010. ACH drafts will occur on the 15th of the month.

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, Paul Silverman, 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 download from our website or contact our bookkeeper, or call her at 508-366-7191 x208. Because circumstances often change, we require that you apply for an adjustment every year that this is necessary. All forms should be in by May 31, 2010.

IMPORTANT: Your renewal package includes your invoice but you may have noticed that no forms were provided. This year we are beginning a process that both helps the environment and is easier to use. All forms mentioned in this letter are available on this page for download. If you do not have access to a printer, we would be happy to provide the forms to you via mail or for your pick-up in the office. Just contact the office at (508) 366-7191.

Please submit only those forms that are necessary for your situation.

Available Forms

School Enrollment Form: This form is necessary for all families who will have children in Religious School in September 2010. It requests additional information which will provide much needed emergency numbers and medical information.

Adjustment application and contribution schedule: This form is necessary only if you are submitting an adjustment request.

Brotherhood membership enrollment: This form is necessary if you wish to join the Brotherhood. If you submit payment with your Annual Contribution, you may submit this form online. If you do not, please forward this form and full payment to the Office, attention Brotherhood.

Sisterhood membership enrollment: This form is necessary if you wish to join the Women of Reform Judaism (Sisterhood). If you submitted payment with your Annual Contribution, you may submit this form online. If you do not, please forward this form and full payment to Cheryl Kasof, 6 Dana Road, Shrewsbury MA 01545.

Volunteer and Interest form: This form gives you the opportunity to indicate your interest in any committees and to volunteer for Manageable Mitzvot. Your participation will help strengthen the community and will make your temple experience more meaningful. There is also a comment section that you are invited to fill out. Please return the form to the office. There will also be an online version in the future.

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

L'Shalom,

, Treasurer, 508-529-6185
, President, 508-842-4696