Membership Application

We are delighted that you are interested in joining Congregation Keneseth Israel. We are a Reform synagogue, founded in 1903, and are affiliated with the Union of Reform Judaism, the national congregational organization of Reform Judaism.

To further your involvement in the life of the congregation, we ask that you complete this application and information form. The information you share with us remains confidential. In addition to helping us serve one another more effectively, this information facilitates achieving an accurate profile of our membership and enables us to more efficiently plan our future and your part in it.

Learn more about KI by perusing our website.  Here you can see photos, a calendar of events, more about our clergy, information about the Board of Trustees, Brotherhood and Women of KI.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call our administrator, John Perry, at (610) 435-9074 or e-mail him via our contact form here.

Thank you for your cooperation and “Baruch Ha Ba”-- welcome to Congregation Keneseth Israel! We all look forward to getting to know you!

DUES

Each member of Keneseth Israel has a responsibility to financially support the synagogue to the best of his or her ability. However, no one is denied membership because of an inability to pay full dues. Dues programs are available to meet everyone's needs and abilities.

Please see the following page for a complete listing of Dues by Category, as well as various Fees as they
may pertain to you.

We realize there may be circumstances that make it impossible to meet the full dues requirement. In this case, ask the Temple Administrator for a reduce dues form and return it with your membership application. The Financial Secretary will review your application and work with you to arrive at a satisfactory dues level.

Please consider contributing your annual dues at a level above the regular amount, as many of our members do.

The Congregation is very appreciative of your financial support.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND

Each new member of Keneseth Israel is required to make a pledge to the Capital Improvement Fund in the amount of $1,800. This pledge is payable over six years. The Capital Improvement Fund exists to maintain and improve our synagogue and classroom buildings. Any amounts that you have previously paid to fulfill this pledge at another Reform Congregation will be deducted from your required pledge at KI.

SECURITY FEE

Every year, congregants are charged an annual security fee as determined by the Board of Trustees. This fee subsidizes the security guards who are present at services and other events, as well as upgrades and repairs to our security system. We take security at KI very seriously, always trying to balance safety while maintaining the warm and welcoming atmosphere we so cherish. If you would like to learn more about security at KI, please contact Mike Obenski at 610 966-3226 or fill out our contact form here.

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

Enrollment in our Religious School is limited to children of members of the Congregation. Tuition is established annually by the Board of Trustees. No child of a member in good standing will be denied a religious education.

Religious School fees are in addition to annual dues. During the summer months, Religious School tuition charges will be included on your monthly statement; in addition to these fees, In order to register your child for school, at least one quarter of your annual dues must be paid, unless other arrangements are made in advance.

There are additional charges for Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation to cover the costs of tutoring, music, custodial, etc. This will be explained more fully when you participate in these simchas.

LIFE-CYCLE CEREMONIES

The Rabbi and Cantor officiate without charge at life-cycle ceremonies for members and their immediate families.