Categories of Membership

The Temple Beth El Board of Directors has worked diligently to create an array of membership options that reflect the diversity of our community and the sanctity of our tradition.  The following are the current membership categories.

Individual Membership: Available to a single Jewish adult, or a Jewish adult in an interfaith couple who is not raising their children Jewish at Temple Beth El and whose non-Jewish partner/spouse chooses not to be a member.  Individual memberships are also available to each of two adults who are parenting the same children in separate households (typically following a divorce).   Individual membership is available to one member of a Jewish couple if his/her partner/spouse is a member of another synagogue.

Family Membership:

• Single Parent Family Membership: Available to families with one adult and one or more children in the household. (If adult is a divorcee whose former spouse is also a member, see above.)
• Two Adult Household: Available to families with two adults with or without children.

Dual Membership: An individual or family who is a member of another synagogue may join TBE as a Dual member. Dual membership is available for any of the above categories. Dual membership is open to an individual within a couple or family with children.

Membership Rates

Membership Rates for the current year (July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011) are as follows:

Individual Membership: $800

Family Membership:

• Single Parent Household: $1,025
• Two Adult Household: $1,375

Dual Membership: 1/3 of the dues rate for the applicable category.

Abated Dues: Anyone can apply for a dues abatement process by completing an Abatement Application and returning it to the Executive Director. Applications are considered highly confidential and are seen only by the Director and a small anonymous Abatement Committee. Abatement Extension Form 09-10 (35.53 kB)

First Time Synagogue Members: Individuals or families who have never been members of a synagogue are invited to join TBE at a 50% rate for their first year of membership.

Please download our membership form and indicate which membership category applies to you or your family.  Membership forms should be returned to Temple Beth El, 400 Deering Ave., Portland, Maine 04103.   Membership Application (86.05 kB)