Financial Obligations

A child's Bar/Bat/Bet/B'Mitzvah is one of the most joyous occasions a Jewish family celebrates, and Temple Israel strives to make the memorable occasion as festive, heartwarming and wonderful as possible. This cannot be done without the financial support of our congregants. It is Jewish tradition that congregants must pay all financial obligations to their synagogue and community before a simcha. This tradition is observed at Temple Israel.

Temple Pledges: Pledges for the current year (and any pledges/dues outstanding from prior years) must be paid in full 30 days prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. If you have a payment plan in place, please make sure lines of communication are kept open so that we can make sure your plan fits your family's needs.

CJL Requirements & School Fees: The 7th grade curriculum contains vital elements of the religious school experience. All students must complete the entire 7^th grade curriculum, remaining with their grade at least until the Moving Up ceremony in May (and then hopefully into Hebrew High School). 

School fees must be paid for the full 7^th grade school year, even if your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah occurs early in the season, before the school year ends. Please contact our Temple Administrator with any questions on this policy.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Fee: $900 is due upon acceptance of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date. There is no fee for the use of the Temple, or for the services of the Rabbi or Cantor, for this life-cycle event. Your child will attend additional classes in preparation to become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and the fee covers the cost of the educators and materials for those additional classes. If you have extenuating circumstances, please contact the Temple Israel Finance Committee directly to discuss your options.  In the event of withdrawal from the Bar/Bat Mitzvah program, the fee is fully refundable up to six (6) months before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date.

Building Fund: The Building Fund Fee must be paid in full 12 months prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date.  Please contact the Temple Administrator to discuss any questions or concerns regarding this requirement.

Oneg Sponsorship: The family of the B'nai Mitzvah sponsors the Oneg on the Friday evening prior to the B'nai Mitzvah.  Sponsorship is $225.

Optional - Use of Facility for 2-hour Luncheon or full Reception: If you intend to use the Temple for a party or luncheon following service please notify the Temple Administrator, Michelle Cohen, as soon as possible to reserve the Oneg room on your date. This is done on a first-come-first-served basis.

Please remember that financial obligations must be fulfilled according to the schedule outlined above and provided by our Finance Committee. Our Temple is here for you and you are a vital part of our community, so please keep the lines of communication open. If you have any questions please contact the Temple Administrator, Michelle Cohen at (914) 271-4705 x121, or the Chair of the Finance Committee.