Thank you for thinking about membership at Congregation B’nai B’rith.

We are happy to have open doors, and welcome you to explore CBB without pressure to join. All are welcome to join us for Shabbat and Holy Day worship, to attend our adult education classes, to join in our community service projects, and more.  Some people attend these activities for years without becoming synagogue members, and we welcome them.

Of course membership is ultimately what makes our community sustainable, so we thank you for considering this meaningful step!

Membership is a Decision
In deciding to become a member of CBB, you are choosing to join us in our mission of “building together a warm and vibrant house of living Judaism.”  This is our shared and sacred work, the task which binds us together into a community.  You should consider joining if and when this mission comes to seem important to you.

Membership is Meaningful

Meaningful engagement. There is something for everyone here, and the more you put in, the more you get out. You will find opportunities to repair the world, learn, socialize, and pray; you choose what fits for you. We support all new members in finding their niche at CBB.

A network of relationships.  There are many sub-communities within CBB, and as you engage, you will learn, volunteer, and celebrate alongside others who care about doing the same. Many community members find that this network of connections comes to be a second family.

A network of resources. Our Clergy, Educational, and Administrative staff members are here to support you and the community.

Membership is a Gift

Our thriving community is strong and sustainable because everyone contributes in one or more vital ways:

Participation. CBB offers programming and engagement opportunities nearly every day of the year.  We encourage every member to engage and “show up” in activities of their choosing with some regularity.

Financial support.  CBB has an open membership policy, which prioritizes open doors to all, regardless of financial ability. The only way that this remains sustainable is when we all commit to supporting the financial health of our congregation as generously as we are able.

Our Board of Directors sets a recommended yearly membership donation. Many give at this level, some give an alternative amount. Those with more capacity engage in Leadership Giving, which sustains our temple in many important ways, including allowing young families, and members on fixed or lower incomes to fully participate in congregational life while giving at a level that they can afford. No one is ever turned away for financial reasons.

Communication. Our community culture is grounded in effective communication—expressing ourselves clearly and listening closely.  This includes sharing information about the life of the community, our individual lives, our joys and sorrows, our searching and our discoveries.

We look forward to welcoming you! For more information about joining CBB or the membership process, please contact Executive Director Elizabeth Gaynes at elizabeth@cbbsb.org / 805-964-7869.