Temple Offers No Dues for Six Months

Temple Sinai in Cranston is seeking new members. To attract them, the congregation is offering a chance for people to get to know the congregation without dues for the rest of 2018.

“There is no secret that congregations are finding it more difficult to attract new members, especially young families,” says Susan Oclassen, the Temple’s president. “I understand that many people want a chance to get to know a congregation before making a commitment.”

The Temple’s Board of Directors voted at a meeting on June 26 to offer membership in the congregation to new members beginning July 1 without dues for the rest of the secular year. The offer includes tickets to the congregation’s High Holy Days services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. New members would still be required to pay tuition for Religious and Hebrew School for their children from the beginning of the school year.

“We are living in a new era,” says Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser. “Once upon a time, Jews joined synagogues just because it was ‘what you are supposed to do.’ Those days are over. Jewish families and individuals want to know that being a member is going to improve the quality of their lives. They want to experience being part of a real community, engaging in real learning, and attending services that are meaningful and fulfilling.” 

The congregation is hoping that by making the experience of temple membership available to prospective members without up-front commitment, people will like what they see and stay on as members in 2019 and beyond.

For those who want a taste of Temple Sinai’s Shabbat service, there will be an open house service for prospective members on Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. Check the Temple’s website, www.templesinairi.org, for more details.

For more information contact the congregation at 401-942-8350 or dottie@templesinairi.org.

Submitted by Temple Sinai