We are honored by your desire to join Central Synagogue.
The Clergy and the Central Synagogue community strive to be a source of strength for our members and the people of New York City. We endeavor to represent the best of Jewish values and to be a center of learning, community, worship, and tikkun olam (repair of the world).
It is important to us that our members have a meaningful experience and member engagement is critical to our success. Member participation enhances the congregation as a whole, even as it deepens the individuals’ connection to Judaism. We encourage those who join our community to attend worship services, programs and events, and the various learning opportunities we offer. We want to be the place where our members celebrate times of joy and find solace at difficult moments.
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Why does Central Synagogue have Associate Membership?
Currently our membership slots are completely filled. We can, however, offer you Associate status. The Associates category was introduced in 2007 when our Board of Trustees determined that our membership should not exceed 2,000 family units in order to:
- Ensure our congregants access to clergy and staff;
- Allow Central to operate within our available resources and physical space;
- Serve our congregational community at the highest levels possible; and
- Maintain a balanced budget.
Each year there is turnover, and as space becomes available, we are happy to extend full membership to as many Associates as possible. Initially families remained as Associates for a few months before becoming members, though currently it may take as much as two years before an Associate is extended membership status. Membership is offered to Associates in the order in which they become Associates.
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What are the benefits of being an Associate?
There are numerous benefits to becoming an Associate. Associates are entitled to:
- Access to Rabbi Beth Kalisch, an adjunct Rabbi who is available for life cycle events and pastoral care. Rabbi Kalisch will also conduct High Holy Days services for our Associates. You can contact Rabbi Kalisch by e-mail at kalischb@censyn.org or by leaving her a message at 212-838-5122 X5025.
- Tickets for your household (One ticket per adult/parent and each child between the ages of 3 and 23 years old) to attend High Holy Days services at our newly created Associate Services. For those with children in our Early Childhood and Religious School programs, you will also have access to our High Holy Days Tot and Family services.
- Access to Shabbat and all services in the Sanctuary except High Holy Days.
- Access to adult education and general congregational programs including Mitzvah Day.
- Attendance of your Religious School age children in our Religious School as space is available. Children in Religious School will receive a B’nei Mitzvah date at the same time as the other children, and will be eligible to become a bar or bat mitzvah in the Sanctuary.
- Luach (monthly calendar) mailings.
- Baby naming immediately before or after Shabbat services and ability to rent the Pavilion for baby naming celebrations.
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What does it cost to be an Associate?
Single Adult: $360.00*
Couple or Family: $720.00*
*This includes High Holy Days seating for Associates and their children who are between the ages 3 and 23
These fees are non-refundable but will be applied to your membership dues in the year in which full membership is offered. Additionally Associate families with children in the Religious School prior to becoming full members will be charged a registration fee of $500 per household in addition to tuition. This fee will also be applied to membership dues in the year in which membership is offered.
Likewise Associate families with children in the Nursery School will be charged a registration fee of $300 per household in addition to tuition. This fee will also be applied to membership dues in the year in which membership is offered.
High Holy Days Guest Tickets
Tickets for guests are available as space is available and can be ordered on-line at:
https://centralsynagogue.wufoo.com/forms/high-holy-days-guest-ticket-request-form-2012/Guest tickets are $150 per person per holiday or $300 for both Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur in the Associate services.
It is understood that Associate families will accept full membership when offered or relinquish Associate status.
For more information, call us at 2112-838-5122 x 2000
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How can I learn more about Central Synagogue?
You can also learn more about Central Synagogue by reviewing our website at . You may find the following particularly helpful:
If you have any questions about membership, please call
our Office of Membership Services at (212) 838-9385