What does the synagogue do with our dues?

The Board of Directors, our synagogue staff, and clergy carefully plan and budget. Dues are used to fund all the operations of the synagogue, including salaries, programming, High Holy Day services, and more. Dues account for only 70% of our budget.  

What other events are included in our dues?

Our High Holy Day services, Hanukkah, Purim, and Sukkot and others are included. Our wide variety of programs, such as our CTJ Book Club, Torah Study, Poker Club, Tot Shabbat, Adult Education classes, and many others - look out for a “members only” or “free for members” note under the events in our weekly emails.  

We cannot afford paying full dues. Is financial aid available?

We never want finances to be a barrier to membership. We have a new financial aid process this year. First, fill out the membership renewal form (for returning members) and select that you are requesting financial assistance. Then select “Bill to my Account” on the payment page to assure you do not pay your dues or tuition at this time. You will then receive an email with the link to the financial aid form. Once you complete the separate FA form, your application will be reviewed by our Financial Aid Committee. Your information will be kept confidential at all times.

The standard discount for new financial aid requests is 20% off membership and/or OEC religious school dues. Further reductions will be based on financial need and the availability of donor funds. Financial assistance is not provided for the security initiative ($380), building fund (one time contribution of $1,500 spread over 5 years), or B’nai Mitzvah fees.

Applications will be reviewed on the 1st of each month, and decisions will be released on the 15th of each month, starting July 1 until September 2025.

Applications received after September 1 will be reviewed when received and will be subject to fund availability.

If you have any questions about this new process, please reach out to Sandy Seigel at sseigel2@gmail.com.If you are new to CTJ, our membership fees are only $618 plus $380 for a security initiative for the first year so you can “test drive” membership without as much of a financial commitment. 

What are my payment options?

Installment payment plans are easily available. You may pay by check, cash, or credit card.

Do we receive High Holy Day tickets with our membership?

Yes, your membership includes High Holy Day tickets at no additional charge. Members’ adult children above 23 must purchase tickets. Tickets for additional, extended family members over the age of 18 must be purchased. Tickets are non-transferable.

What is the Building Fund?

Building fund is used to maintain our CTJ home. The Building Fund obligation is assessed when a member joins the synagogue, and is a mandatory fee for all members which may be paid over a period of five years or less.

How do I renew my membership & my children’s Religious School enrollment?

Please click the link on the membership page or on the homepage of your ShulCloud account to renew your membership. Remember, you must log in to ShulCloud to view the form. This year, religious school enrollment will be on the same form as membership renewal - no more filling out two forms!

What is an Associate Membership?

The Associate Membership category was established to enable households who pay full membership at another synagogue to support CTJ. Associate Membership privileges include: receiving all mailings and newsletters, attendance at all activities at member rates and High Holy Day tickets (upon request). Religious School programs are not included in Associate Membership. To apply for Associate Membership, please include a letter from the synagogue of which you are currently a member that states you are a member in good standing.

How will I know what is happening at CTJ?

We send out a weekly synagogue e-mail update, a separate weekly Religious School e-mail update and our TikvaTimes, a hard copy newsletter, is mailed to every member’s home every other month. Our website is updated regularly and has a large variety of information and links about everything CTJ related. Please make sure that the office (office@ctjmb.org) has your current email address so you receive all updates. You can also sign up at the bottom of this page.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact: