ALEF-BET Temple Beth Shalom Membership Policy

In 1988, after extensive renovations, Temple Beth Shalom (TBS) invited Alef-Bet Child Care, Inc. to set up operations in its present space. It was agreed that the Center would remain separately incorporated, but no rent would be charged for its occupancy. Instead, Alef-Bet would be responsible for covering its own costs including electric, gas and water usage and the daily janitorial service that would permit the Congregation to continue to hold religious services in the child care area.

Temple Beth Shalom hoped to provide the community with Jewish-oriented child care services and to encourage young families to participate in the revitalization of the Synagogue's spiritual life.

In support and with appreciation for their willingness to host Alef-Bet, the Center's Board of Directors decided on a two-tiered tuition schedule - one for members and one for non-members. Many families choose the former and begin to participate in the special events, family celebrations and religious services which the synagogue offers. The latter option serves the needs of families of other faiths or those who prefer not to have a synagogue affiliation.

The policy states that all families with a child enrolled at Alef-Bet for 15 or more hours must be members in good standing of Temple Beth Shalom to receive the tuition discount. If they are not members, they will be billed at the non-discounted rate, which includes the portion approximating the annual synagogue membership cost divided into 10 equal installments. It is the obligation of any family choosing the membership option to make arrangements to join directly through the synagogue. When the Director of Alef-Bet has received notification from TBS of your membership, your tuition will be reduced to the member discounted rate.

Both Temple Beth Shalom and the Board of Alef-Bet believe this policy has been most satisfactory.

For more information about Temple membership, please contact the Temple office at (617) 864-6388.