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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I’m curious about synagogue dues, how they’re assessed (or whatever the correct term is). Also, if other churches have specific amounts like this I’d love to hear from you. It sounds more like a “here is what it costs to keep the lights on” amount.  [/quote]
Generally, yes the intent of synagogue dues is to cover costs. At a minimum, this usually includes rent or mortgage, utilities, janitorial, clergy, and other staff, if any. Depending on the needs and wants of the congregation, there may also be events, food and beverage, security, supplementary education, youth and adult activities, and other stuff.

The needs and wants of congregations can vary a lot.  Some synagogues have services many times per day, with multiple times available for each of the three daily services. Others may only have services on Shabbat and holidays, or even less often. Some synagogues will put out a lavish spread after Shabbat morning services, serve a light meal Shabbat afternoon, and have a fully stocked coffee station throughout the day, while others will put out only very basic crackers and tuna salad on Shabbat afternoon and nothing else at any other time. Some will offer Hebrew school, others won't. This may depend in part on what proportion of congregants' children attend Jewish day schools.  Synagogues that offer more programming will spend more on utilities, janitorial services, staff, supplies, and food.

Synagogues have different approaches to dues. A common model is fixed dues by category (single, couple, family, student, senior citizen, and so on), with discounts available for need. Another model is pay-what-you-want, sometimes with a suggested amount. Some synagogues are entirely funded by voluntary donors and there are no dues, only appeals for donations.

If you search "synagogue dues" on ejewishphilanthropy.com, you will find a lot of discussion and some case studies on this topic. [/quote]

Thank you for this and to others who have responded on this question so thoughtfully.  I find this fascinating and so logical.  I've always wondered how churches and temples can survive off of whatever random donations people are inclined to give.  What you lay out makes much more sense.  As someone who was taught to give 10% to my church (and I've always done that), its interesting to see what other communities ask to "keep the lights on."  It honestly makes me feel better about the 10%, like 10% isn't that much more.  [/quote]

DP. Our Conservative synagogue runs an excellent religious school (Sundays and 2 hour sessions on some weekday afternoons) and tuition is separate from dues. It’s slightly discounted for synagogue members but it’s still pricey. About $1100 per kid. On top of almost 4k for a combo of dues and building assessments which are separate. So we paid about 6k this year. It’s a LOT of money. We can budget for it and we do, but objectively it is a lot and many people drop their membership after their kids have their bar mitzvahs. You don’t have to pay just to attend services. Though if you’re not a member you do have to pay for High Holiday services which are the most widely attended in the Jewish year.

It can be cyclical, what one needs. My parents dropped their membership after the last kid had her bat mitzvah and only attended for High Holidays for many years. Then they joined again in retirement, finding they wanted to attend services, feel part of the congregation, and take advantage of all the social and learning opportunities a large synagogue provides beyond  just worship. [/quote]

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