Give From the Heart: Flexible Synagogue Membership Dues

Give From the Heart: Flexible Synagogue Membership Dues in Plainview, NY

At Manetto Hill Jewish Center on Long Island, we believe financial circumstances should never be a barrier to Jewish community life. Our Give From the Heart program eliminates traditional fixed synagogue dues. We replace them with a voluntary, annual Sustaining Pledge.

This commitment model is built on mutual trust. We trust that each family will contribute according to their hearts and means. This ensures our Conservative congregation remains vibrant, accessible, and viable for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Voluntary Dues Model

How does a voluntary synagogue membership pledge work?

Give From the Heart allows every household to make a financial commitment that is personally meaningful. MHJC leadership shares the baseline cost per household required to keep our synagogue doors open—called the Sustaining Annual Pledge. Using this baseline as guidance, families choose their own comfortable financial contribution

What expenses do synagogue membership pledges cover?

Your annual pledges directly support our daily operations. This includes Rabbi and staff salaries, building maintenance, utilities, community events, and diverse synagogue programming.

How is the Sustaining Annual Pledge calculated?

The baseline sustaining amount is updated annually using a transparent budgetary equation:

(Expected budgeted expenses – (Hebrew School income + Specified Expense Budget Lines)) / Total Number of Expected Congregant Families

The current 2026-2027 Annual Sustaining Pledge (Membership Investment Baseline) is $2,652.14 per household. There is also an additional $200 required Security Assessment, per family.

What fees are not included in the Sustaining Pledge?

The pledge baseline excludes separate fees for our Hebrew School programs and specific congregational assessments. Voluntary donations—such as the High Holy Day Appeal, Yahrzeit donations, event admissions, Sisterhood dues, and Men’s Club dues—remain separate.

What if I cannot afford the sustaining baseline, or want to give more?

We encourage families to be as generous as their personal finances safely allow. If you can contribute above the sustaining baseline, your generosity bridges the gap for others. If the baseline is out of reach, you are welcome to pledge a lesser amount that fits your budget.

Are individual pledge amounts kept confidential?

Yes. We completely honor and respect the financial privacy of every individual and family in our community.

Why did MHJC adopt a flexible dues model?

Dozens of congregations nationwide have successfully moved away from fixed dues over the last 15 years. Our taskforce adopted this structure to welcome unaffiliated families or those hesitant to join a synagogue due to rigid, costly membership fees.

How can I submit a pledge to MHJC?

Fill out our Give From the Heart Pledge Card and email it directly to mhjcoffice@gmail.com.

Join Our Welcoming Long Island Jewish Community

Ready to find your spiritual home in Plainview?

1. Download our official Synagogue Membership Application.
2. Complete the form and email it directly to mhjcoffice@gmail.com.

Have more questions?
For confidential inquiries about membership, please contact Amanda Hordos, Membership Vice-President, through our main synagogue office at (516) 935-5454.