Exec Director Gary Fifer: We Are COUNTING On You

This article first appeared in our May/Jun '25 edition of The Bulletin

We will shortly read in Torah that the ancient Israelites conducted a census in the desert within a few months of the Exodus from Egypt. Determining who was in our community is mentioned several more times in Torah. Beth Emeth is about to embark on a similar process, and we are looking forward to your participation.

For years, as a convenience to our members, we have assumed that members would stay members, unless they notified us of other intentions. Our practice was to automatically adjust each member’s account in ShulCloud, our membership management software, at the start of our fiscal year in July. Each year, some members inform us of changes. At the same time, many do not. Over time, these assumptions about membership and financial support can easily lead to significant discrepancies. As a result, beginning this year, we are introducing a new practice.

In June of every year, we will provide both an online and postal mail process for you to renew your membership and your Annual Commitment. At the same time, we will provide a process for you to review and update other aspects of your member profile, such as your address or yahrzeit information, so we may better serve you.

With your help, we will have a much clearer understanding of our membership. We will use this information to provide members in good standing with High Holiday tickets and other privileges of membership, such as registering children for our fabulous educational programs.

We have a lot of wonderful events unfolding in May and June. I look forward to continuing to meet the Beth Emeth community. Come and say hello!