Membership Levels
To meet the needs to all who wish to deepen their connection and commitment to Mishkan Shalom in the covenant of membership, we have the following options, with the benefits and responsibilities of membership outlined below. Our membership year runs July 1 - June 30th annually, though one can join at any point during the year:
Categories of Connection (Membership Categories):
Full Member
See faqs for benefits and responsibilities
Click here for Hebrew School information
We have developed the following Membership Commitment Levels. 60-70% of our annual operating budget comes from annual membership, which is based on an average amount of $2,500 per household, allowing for lesser and greater contributions. Remember, Mishkan uniquely asks you to self-assess your dues contribution. In doing so, we hope that you will give with a nadiv lev/full heart. You do not need to explain or justify your giving level.
· Chai: $18,000 and above (Membership + General Fund donation) For Life: members who can offer additional charitable gifts, to ensure we can provide the level of services and care our community relies upon
· To Guard from Generation to Generation - Lishmor l'Dor v'Dor, $5,000 and up At this level, you provide that extra financial support to ensure that Mishkan Shalom continues to be a vital community from generation to generation.
· To Succeed—L’hatsliakh, $3,500 to $4,999 At this level, you help Mishkan Shalom succeed (l’hatsliakh) as a strong and growing community by providing extra support for staff and educational programs.
· To Sustain—Litmokh, $2,501 to $3,499 At this level, you help to sustain (litmokh) us by providing the share needed to cover the dues portion of Mishkan Shalom’s operating expenses, recognizing that not all of our households can give at this level. The average dues of $2500 is needed to meet around 60% of our expenses, this is a vital level for building our community and our Mishkan.
· To Build—Livnot, $1,800 to $2,499 At this level, you help Mishkan Shalom build (livnot) connections between all members.
· To Grow—L’hagdil, $750 to $1,799 In this level, you help Mishkan Shalom grow (L’hagdil) in many important ways. It is also appropriate for those who are members of another synagogue or faith community.
· Mishkan Shalom's policy is Open Door— Delet Petukha, $749 or less. We open our doors to all. Special circumstances or hardships, stages of life, temporary situations may put all the suggested levels out of reach. We welcome you as a full member.
If you have any additional questions, please contact our Office Manager, Maria, at Maria@mishkan.org or 215-508-0226
Consistent with our values we ask that each household study and understand our Statement of Principles, agree to support our Brit HaMishkan, then make an informed decision of which Membership Commitment Level best reflects your ability to support our community through annual fully self-assessed financial commitment.
Ready to deepen your connection?? Please complete the join form.
Online Friend
People who live outside of Mishkan Shalom's geographic area by more than one hour away and may or may not be members elsewhere. (yearly access (July 1- June 30th). People who live outside Mishkan Shalom’s geographic area more than 1 (one) hour away and may or may not be members elsewhere. Receive weekly zoom links. Recommended annual contribution is $180 and up. Commitment to our Brit HaMishkan/Community Covenant and Statement of Principles. Covenantal Membership is required for all, though understandably there are limits or differentiations in volunteer involvement for those only online.
Note: Online access may vary according to the nature of the program or service. However, we expect that online programming and services will remain a part of your ability to engage with Mishkan Shalom regardless of your membership designation. Self-assessed donations to join us for the High Holy Days will remain in place for all concerned in all circumstances and since we do not issue tickets for our open services.
