We believe in being welcoming and inclusive – no one should face barriers to being part of our congregation – so we’ve adopted a pledge-based membership system, called L’Shalom.
How does it work?
Instead of paying an assigned fixed dues amount, you pledge the amount you wish to contribute as your annual financial commitment each July. Temple leadership provides a recommended “sustaining” amount for the entire congregation; most congregants will choose to pledge at that amount. Some may choose to contribute more, and some may pledge less. The actual amount of the L’Shalom commitment is up to each member. There is no specified amount required to be a part of our Temple family.
About L'Shalom
We are One Family. As a family, we were there to comfort one another, as well as our brothers and sisters in Israel, after the most tragic day the Jewish people experienced in more than seven decades. As a family, we banded together to provide aid and lift the spirits of Israelis with supply collections and volunteer missions. As a family, we gave one another strength and hope as the tide of anti-Semitism rose to new heights, across our nation and on our campuses. Through it all, Temple Shalom has been, and will continue to be a beacon of light during these times by providing: a sacred community that values the relationships between members; meaningful worship and lifecycle moments; engaging Jewish learning for all ages; acts of tzedakah for those in need; experiences that will transform the youth of today into tomorrow’s mensches; and opportunities that meet the members of the community where they are.
Your generosity enables us to remain a vibrant center for Jewish life in Southwest Florida. In 2017, we replaced our dues system with the L’Shalom membership support program, modeled after the gifts from the heart that the Israelites gave to build the Tabernacle in the desert. We invite you to give a meaningful gift to Temple Shalom. Recognizing the increasing costs of security and supplies, as well as the rising needs of our 950-household congregation, the recommended sustaining level for this year is $1375.00 per adult ($2750 for a household with two adults). This amount was carefully determined by the Temple Finance Committee, and then reviewed by the Temple Shalom Board of Trustees.
As a vital part of our Temple Shalom family, we gratefully thank you in advance for your ongoing investment of your time, talent and resources in Temple Shalom. We ask that your gift reflect what your heart feels and what you can afford. Know that any amount that you donate above the sustaining amount will be recognized as a contribution to Above & Beyond. If you have questions, contact Deborah Fidel, Executive Director, at 239-455-3030.
We look forward to your active engagement in Temple Shalom’s One Family for years to come.
