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Join the Community

Thank you for being so interested in becoming a member of Temple Beth-El, one of the Chicago area’s most historic and progressive Reform Jewish congregations and a center for spiritual fulfillment and cultural fellowship for almost 150 years. 

Current members, you MUST be logged into ShulCloud to use this link. To make your 2023-24 Community Commitment, Click here 

Due to a computer glitch, for those making a community commitment from Temple Chai,  Please download and complete our one-page form. CLICK HERE. 


When you join the Temple Beth-El community, you receive many benefits. Every member is invited to participate in our many programs, teams and groups. There is something for everyone.

When you make your Community Commitment, you then have access to:

  • Weekly Worship
  • High holidays worship, programs, and special events
  • Sisterhood
  • Men’s Club
  • Religious & Hebrew School
  • Preschool
  • Social justice programs and engagement activities
  • Community service opportunities
  • Social events
  • Spiritual events
  • Travel opportunities
  • Pastoral care from our clergy

Thank you for considering Temple Beth-El, we look forward to connecting with you. Please contact Laurie Orenstein, Executive Director, (847) 205-9982, ext. 211, Lorenstein@templebeth-el.org.


Temple Beth-El Community Commitment

To make your Community Commitment please download and complete our form. CLICK HERE.

The Temple Beth-El Community Commitment replaced the traditional dues structure two years ago. In this third year of Community Commitment we are committed to meeting people where they are. We know everyone does not have the same means but we ask that each household consider the Commitment level that is right for them. The Community Commitment campaign helps us improve the Temple’s financial planning and it enables each congregant household to connect with the community in a meaningful way. Based on our 2023-2024 budget we must secure $1.7 million dollars from our Community Commitment to enable the Temple to provide expanded services, programs, and enhanced connections that our community requires. We rely on your generosity and in return we promise to be good stewards of your kindness. 

Our 2023–2024 Budget

Financial transparency is essential so that our Temple Beth- El Community can make informed decisions that balance our budgetary needs with what is comfortable for each family. Temple Beth-El’s 2023–24 annual operating expenses (excluding school expenses) divided by the number of current families in our congregation results in a sustaining amount of $3,300. This Sustaining amount is the average needed per family to fund the portion of our operating budget which was traditionally funded through dues and Free Will (philanthropy) donations. We hope that this past generosity continues, and our members commit to contributing as close to or exceeding our sustaining amount.  

Tiers of Commitment

Money should never stand in the way of community connection. We are committed to ensuring every family has a place in our Temple home. The following giving levels are structured for everyone.

This year the goal Commitment amount for each household membership is $3,300. We ask each family to consider this amount when you make your Commitment. Some families will give more, and some may give less. We ask everyone to make a pledge that is meaningful for their family. In making your Commitment, please know that monthly payments are an option. You can even charge your Commitment to earn miles through your preferred credit card.

2022–2023 Annual Highlights

Community

  • We have welcomed more than 100 new member households during the past three years
  • More than 60 Adult Education programs offered this year
  • 10 active committees with task force opportunities for engagement for all ages
  • 12 social action initiatives that support the broader local community
  • 2 first-class concerts, BINGO night, and opportunities to gather, learn, and grow with our strong Men’s Club and Sisterhood

Sacred Community & Clergy

  • Friday night services are offered weekly along with Oneg Shabbats providing the opportunity to gather as a Community, as well as festival holiday celebrations celebrated throughout the year. Other highlights included Shabbat Under the Stars, the Hanukkah Happening, family holiday events, and more
  • A full sanctuary of congregants for nearly every major event
  • Clergy pastoral care in all the important moments of life births, baby naming’s, weddings, b’nei mitzvahs.  Also, our clergy offer compassionate, pastoral care in difficult moments

Religious School

  • 200 Religious School students and we are still growing
  • 15 B’nei Mitzvahs celebrated
  • 10 High school Madrichim who supported classroom teaching
  • 5 students went to L’Taken in Washington, D.C.
  • 26 new students consecrated this year
  • 21 teachers on our team in our Temple classrooms, online through Zoom and one-on-one
Tue, March 19 2024 9 Adar II 5784