Thursday, September 9 is
Rosh Hashanah

Friday, September 17 is
Kol Nidre

Saturday, September 18 is
Yom Kippur

The High Holy Days are right around the corner and we want to make sure you know how to get tickets. Complimentary tickets are one of the many benefits of membership at Congregation Emanu-El. While this year it is possible for members to purchase tickets for non-members, this hasn’t always been the case and may not be in the future. The deadline to become a member and register for tickets is September 1. Don't wait! Some of our most popular services fill up quickly.

Why Should I Join?

“What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured.”
~Kurt Vonnegut.

Becoming a member of Emanu-El isn’t like joining a gym. Membership means you are taking responsibility for the ensuring the vibrancy and livelihood of YOUR community. You will immediately become part of one of the most historic congregations in the world and carry on the legacy of our community.

Why Does Membership Cost Money?

Taking responsibility for your community also means supporting it financially. Without financial support we could not afford clergy to be our spiritual leaders. We could not afford quality educators to teach our children. We could not afford a building which is our spiritual home. We could not afford to offer social justice programs. We could not afford to provide programs that bring the community together. And we could not afford all the other services we provide. In short, without financial support, our community would struggle to survive.

What Are The Benefits Of Membership?

Besides the immeasurable benefits of supporting your community, there are numerous tangible benefits that Emanu-El members receive. Some of these apply only after you have been a member for a year or more. So even if you think that some of the services listed below are in your distant future, join soon because life happens fast (see testimonials).

Access to Clergy
Members can meet with our clergy for religious counseling and lifecycle events including weddings, b’nai mitzvahs, funerals, and more. Even if these events are years away, joining now allows you to develop a personal relationship with our clergy so you know who you prefer to be by your side during your life’s defining moments.

Wedding Discounts
Members pay virtually nothing for a wedding at Emanu-El. All sanctuaries are free to and the clergy waive their wedding fees. However, these discounts only apply if you have been a member for more than a year. So even if you are single, you never know when you will meet “the One.” Don’t wait and you’ll save big bucks to help pay for your wedding party, your honeymoon, or a big screen TV!

Choose Your Dues and Payment Plans
For your first year of membership you have the option to “Choose Your Dues” under our voluntary system. Throughout your membership you may choose your own payment plan at a level you are comfortable with.

More Discounts and Priority Registration
Members receive special discounts on programs such as classes, dinners and more. Members also receive priority registration and discounted rates when reserving Emanu-El event spaces, such as the Main Sanctuary.

Young Adult Leadership Committee (YALC)
Only members are eligible to serve on the committee, who works closely with our clergy and staff to conceptualize, plan and implement all of our exciting young adult programs and events. If you want to be a leader in our community, then become a member and join YALC. Additionally, only members are eligible to be elected to our board of directors and serve on other committees.

Priority Enrollment in Preschool
The longer you are a member, the higher priority your children have when enrolling in our popular preschool. Even if children are just a “twinkle in your eye” if you wait until you have children, then your priority will be lower than if you became a member earlier.

Member-Only Benefits
These are benefits that are free or offered at a discount for members only.

- Brit milah/baby naming (offsite for members only)
- Funeral or memorial service (offsite for members only)
- B’nai mitzvah training and ceremony
- Clergy home or hospital visit
- Priority enrollment in preschool, youth education and adult education
- Union of reform judaism benefits (camps, NFTY, conventions).

Benefit Extension to Family
Clergy services for weddings, funerals and memorial services are extended to your family including your spouse, same or opposite sex domestic partner, grandparents, parents, children and siblings. It also extends to your spouse or partner’s family and any “step” family members. So by joining Emanu-El you can provide some crucial services for your family.