Thank you for being part of our community!

25-26 Membership Renewal

Dear Member:

For the first time in our synagogue’s history, and after careful reflection and planning, we are asking for an across-the-board increase in member financial commitment. This upcoming year’s average cost per member household is $3,000 to support everything that makes Ner Shalom thrive:

  • Market-rate salaries for our rabbi, educators, and staff;

  • Nitzanim, our trailblazing school that engages the whole family;

  • Lifelong learning and community-building programs;

  • Shabbat and holiday rituals; 

  • Life-cycle rituals and celebrations;

  • The basic costs of maintaining and operating our physical space.

We understand that this is a particularly challenging time to be asking for more. The economy is uncertain, and for many, that uncertainty feels close to home. At the same time, one thing remains constant: this community is our bedrock. Ner Shalom exists because of all of us—and it endures because we show up, care for one another, and give what we can.

We also recognize that each household has a different financial capacity.

Determining Your Dues Contributions:

  • The Board reviews the budget annually, for each fiscal year (which begins July 1) to determine the cost per household–i.e. our “Sustaining Membership” amount, which if paid by every household, would sustain the synagogue for one year.

  • For Fiscal Year 2025-26, Ner Shalom’s Sustaining Membership amount is $3,000 ($250/month), assuming current membership of 185 member families.  

  • To help you determine your membership dues commitment, we ask that you keep in mind the needs of sustaining our synagogue while taking into account your personal financial situation. To aid in this assessment, we’ve provided the Ner Shalom Self-Assessment Tool. 

  • Inclusion is a core value of Ner Shalom. We are enriched by everyone’s presence in our community regardless of their means. This is why we ask those who can to stretch.  

(Click here for more information regarding our Dues Structure and our revenue charts)  

The following is a list of our suggested dues tiers. We need 40% of our membership to commit to Tier 1, 2 or 3 in order to have sufficient funds to cover our operating costs. Again, we encourage you to use the Ner Shalom Self-Assessment Tool to help you determine your tier level, and we thank everyone for giving what they can. We have flexible options for financial dues—pay all at once or in installments.

Tier 1: $8,000–12,000 per year ($667–1000 per month)

Tier 2: $4,000–8,000 per year ($334–667 per month) 

Tier 3: $2,000–4,000 per year ($167–334 per month)

Tier 4: $720–2,000 per year ($60–167 per month)

Tier 5: Up to $720 per year (up to $60 per month)

Thank you for everything you bring to Ner Shalom.

If you have any questions, please call Stephanie D in the office at 707-664-8622 or email stephanied@nershalom.org.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL fORM 25-26

mAKING yOUR dUES PAYMENT(S):

Once you submit your membership information above, if paying by credit/debit card, please enter your payment information below.

If paying by check/e-check, please mail your dues to 85 La Plaza, Cotati, CA 94931

If you would like to donate stock, please contact the office at info@nershalom.org.

Your donation is tax deductible. Our legal name is Sonoma County Synagogue Center, and our tax ID number is 94-2832498.