Synagogues Raising Money

-A Miami Reform shul has sold time-shares in its Torah: “For a one-time gift of $1,800, donors can sponsor a section…Each year, during the week before that section is read at Shabbat services, donors can keep the torah in their homes – visits that have prompted families to host scripture studies, parades and dinner parties.â€? About 40 of the 52 weeks have been sold. Says Rabbi Mitch Chefitz, who came up with the idea: “When it’s brought into a house, it makes the house more holy.â€? (The Jerusalem Post)

-A look at the high cost of Jewish life, starting with annual family synagogue dues at $2,500. (J.)

-As synagogues are increasingly unable to meet rising costs by raising dues, some have turned to a tiered dues structure with, for example standard dues of $1,550 per family and “four higher dues categories for sustaining members�. (The Jewish Week)