An evening we didn't know we needed

[antithiscully]

For some months now, Tony & I have been wanting to try out other synagogues. We aren't happy with where we are anymore, but I still want something, and especially with The Girl on the way, I want her to have the Jewish education and instilled faith I never had. There was one place in particular I wanted to try, but it seemed like availability and

Comments

[countessof_roth]

Call the membership folks, a LOT of places, its "suggested" rather than required.

Oy I have no idea how we are gonna afford the temple preschool for roland next fal.

[antithiscully]

You know, I just realized they never called me back this week like they said they were going to. And as stereotyped as it sounds, I kind of wonder how it be trying to negotiate a price with another Jewish person... And the jump from "young adult" member to "full member with 1st grader" is 5-10x -- I can't tell if it's per person or per family.

[jadeejf]

Aww! It sounds wonderful!!! I love getting to go on dates now, especially since we've had the kids- it's far too rare an occurence, but it's great when it happens.

I have to admit, I was surprised that temples charge membership dues! I feel kind of dumb for not knowing that.

Oh man, I want steak now...

[antithiscully]

It's funny, it's one of those things that I thought all religious institutions do -- you have a membership, you have to pay for the membership. How else does the congregation raise money, maintain the building, pay salaries, etc? I didn't realize that tithing was still a common practice today till Tony & I had this discussion a while back.

In general, I love finding things that I think is just part of life that other people find completely new & baffling, or vice versa.

[kagomeshuko]

I had no idea that temples charge membership fees. That's something that Christians don't have with churches. When there are church schools, people pay for the kids to attend. However, there are no fees for being a member or a church.

[antithiscully]

But there's tithing, right? That was one of the reasons my husband hated his church when he was growing up, because they were condescending to his family and demanded that their "donation" be more than the family could afford at the time. We have to pay what I think is a reasonable amount as young adult members, but once the daughter is in religious school, man do the prices skyrocket. Plus there's an additional building fee.

[kagomeshuko]

Christians do have tithing. However, a good church will never demand a tithe or a donation. A good church understands that not everybody can give money. Churches are there for worship and fellowship with other Christians. Tithing is a good idea - 10% of any income. However, some people never give that. Other people always volunteer and that keeps the costs many times from having to hire people - mowing the grass, electricians, etc. if those people are in the church.

The money does help and Christians do give less, tithe, or give more.

Religious education usually does not cost - or at least not much. Usually parents buy Bibles or books for certain parts. However, Sunday School is free.

If there is a school with a church, it is usually a preschool or a private grade/middle/high school (never know the starting and ending grades) and the private schooling (though usually not the preschools) have a high tuition. However, those are options instead of public school.

[indyselsa]

That sounds absolutely lovely, and the timing couldn't have been better. Good for you guys!