Altshul has been meeting at Congregation Beth Elohim since 2006. During these years, Beth Elohim has graciously gifted us a Torah to use and space to daven, eat, and socialize. We began meeting in Rabbi Bachman’s office, and when we outgrew that space, Beth Elohim worked with us to make the chapel regularly available for our use. Altshul thrives in large part because of the incredible spaces and resources allotted to us by Beth Elohim.
For several years, Altshul’s Shamashim and Steering Committee have been working to solidify the logistics of Altshul’s future in regards to space and long-term sustainability. At the same time, Altshul’s leadership wanted to look for ways to contribute more actively to the Beth Elohim community given the home that it has provided us with.
Luckily, conversations about Altshul’s sustainability have coincided with rethinking happening within Beth Elohim. Under Rabbi Andy Bachman’s leadership, Beth Elohim has broadened its reach and opened its doors to new and diverse constituents. Recently, they launched a significantly discounted membership tier called “Amit” which they are making available to the various groups affiliated with Beth Elohim, including Brooklyn Jews and Altshul.
Beth Elohim has given Altshul a great deal over the last 5 years. And now there is an opportunity for us, individually, to give back. We encourage all of you to consider becoming Amit members.
The membership costs $185 for individuals and $400 for families. Helping to sustain an institution that has done so much to sustain Altshul is only right, but beyond that, Beth Elohim and Altshul have come to the agreement that with Altshul encouraging its constituents to become Amit members, Beth Elohim will continue providing Altshul with space free-of-charge and will also cover Altshul’s operational expenses.
While Altshul remains an autonomous, independent minyan and does not require a membership of any kind, we encourage Altshulers to become Amit members. The reasons for this decision are both practical and principled.
Solidifying Altshul’s relationship with Beth Elohim will provide Altshul with logistical support, while also giving us a more active role in Beth Elohim’s exciting attempt to create a different kind of synagogue, one that supports and encourages many expressions of Judaism and Jewishness.
If you receive spiritual and social sustenance from Altshul, and you’re financially able, please consider becoming an Amit member today. In addition to helping Altshul and CBE, Amit membership benefits also include:
- Gym and pool membership
- Priority consideration for CBE’s Early Childhood Center
- Reduced member rates for facilities rentals, adult education classes, cultural events, etc.
- CBE clergy consultations
This is an exciting opportunity to help Altshul ensure its future, while also contributing to the growth of a broader, special community. If you’re financially able, we would urge you to become an Amit member today.
The membership can be paid in monthly installments of $33.33 (or $15 for individuals), and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Steering Committee members Aaron Bisman (aaron@jdub.org) or Daniel Septimus (dseptimus@gmail.com). To become a member, please download the membership form and return it to CBE.
There will also be a Q&A session the week of October 3 for anyone who has questions about this opportunity. Details to follow.