Membership in the synagogue affords the following privileges:
- services of our rabbi for life cycle events
- ability to enroll your children in our religious school, B’Yachad (operated jointly with two other local synagogues)
- step-by-step guidance for your child to become a bar or bat mitzvah
- eligibility for your child to attend highly acclaimed summer camps of the Union for Reform Judaism — Crane Lake Camp and Camp Eisner, both in the Berkshires
- ability for your teen to participate in our high school youth group, YOBS, and, through YOBS, to attend regional teen events of the North American Federation of Temple Youth
- occasional care packages and other fun ways to keep in touch with your son or daughter away at college
- sponsorship and tutelage of our rabbi to non-Jewish spouses, partners or others family members interested in becoming Jews by choice
- right to be buried in the B’nai Sholom Cemetery and to purchase a plot at reduced member rates
- congregational support in the form of meals, rides, and other needed activities at times of illness, mourning, or other difficulties
- congregational recognition, celebration, and blessings at various events throughout the year in honor of volunteers, students, long-standing or new members, and the like
- discounted member rates for adult education classes, building rental fees, events where we charge admission, etc.
- voting privileges – At B’nai Sholom, every adult member has a vote on the annual budget, the officers and members of the board, and our rabbi’s contract.
- committee involvement – Our committees are the foundation of our participatory, empowered congregation, affording a great way to meet people, to feel a part of the congregation, and to work to improve the congregation, the community or the world. Most committees are open to all members.
- eligibility to be on the board of trustees or an officer of the congregation – a great way to exercise your leadership skills! Open to all Jewish members of the synagogue
- inclusion in and access to our congregational directory – the way to know everybody’s name and contact info
- the pleasures of being part of a multi-generational group of people you probably wouldn’t otherwise know – a place to share the wisdom of the old and the energy of the young, recipes and hand-me-downs, leads on job openings, good babysitters, and houses going on the market, professional and personal advice
- the added spirituality that comes from praying in a setting that feels like home and family
- the additional meaning that comes from studying with others from diverse backgrounds who can debate in a safe space