New Member Application

Any person of the Jewish faith, over 18 years of age, may become a Member of the Congregation, subject to approval of the Board of Directors. Whether Jewish or non-Jewish, a spouse, life partner, or a child (under age 26 living at home), of a Member is also welcomed as a Member and receives all the benefits and privileges of Membership.

If you need additional information please contact Wendy Bayor, Temple Administrator, at office@cbsrz.org or 860-526-8920.

If you would like to complete and submit a paper application, please download a copy here.

I/We hereby wish to become member(s) of CBSRZ, making a personal and philanthropic commitment to the support and continuity of this community.

Please list even those who are grown.

I authorize CBSRZ to use my and my family members' images/likness in CBSRZ-related print publications or on the congregational website for the purposes of publicity. I understand that I may not be notified in advance of publication. Images/likenesses of minors will not be used, in any manner, without prior notification and consent from a parent/guardian.

CBSRZ does not share congregants' personal contact information with outside organizations or individual parties, and does not confirm membership to non-members without the express consent of our congregants. However, contact information is shared with other members of CBSRZ via the Membership Directory and by special requests to our staff.

CBSRZ strives to be an inclusive community and aims to accommodate those who may require special assistance in order to participate fully in congregational activities. We invite you to share with us in the space below any physical, cognitive, emotional, or behavioral challenges that you (or members of your family) may have. As always, your information will be kept strictly confidential, and will be shared with clergy or staff only as needed in order to assure CBSRZ's inclusiveness and accessibility. Please also feel free to discuss these issues on a confidential basis with staff, in addition to, or instead of, responding to this form.

Yahrzeits are read at every Friday night service on the Hebrew anniversary of a loved one's death. Many congregants choose to honor loved ones with a memorial plaque. Please contact the temple office for more information.

We offer many ways to get involved and contribute, not only to CBSRZ, but to the bigger world outside our doors. Everyone has something to offer. Start small and volunteer for one thing. Host one Oneg, or plan an ambitious start-up venture. Whether you find your path with Social Action, Chesed, the Mavens, any of the other volunteer opportunities, or with something entirely new at CBSRZ, it will be worthwhile.

We hope that your affiliation with CBSRZ brings you joy, meaning, and lasting friendships. May our years together fulfill your passions for prayer, learning, social justice, and community. Synagogue members make annual financial commitments that support CBSRZ as an active and vibrant religious, educational, and cultural institution. Membership pledges pay for the professional and support staff, subsidize our lifelong educational journey, and provide the funds needed to cover the expenses inherent in operating a Jewish community. Our basic pledge level is the set amount required from each member unit for our operations to be successful. We each contribute a piece of the financial pie so that the whole is complete. And we are committed to welcoming all who wish to be a part of our sacred community regardless of ability to pay. So, if you are experiencing financial hardship and must reduce your contribution, you can. That said, our congregation depends on additional dues contributions to assist those who are unable to meet minimum requirements but would like to be a part of our congregation. Any amount you are able to pledge in excess of basic membership dues will help us continue to provide a full spectrum of religious, cultural, educational, and related programs for all members of our sacred community.

Member
One or two adults and any children under 26 living at home.
Young Member
One or two adults and any children under 18 or under; oldest family member 32 years of age or younger.
Summer Member
One or two adults who have a permanent residence in another state and are in Connecticut for six months or less each year.
Second Synagogue Member
One or two adults and any children living at home who are full members in good standing at another synagogue. Letter of good standing from first synagogue membership required.

We honor all of our members and those who wish to be members of CBSRZ. A core value of our community is that financial limitations will never be a barrier to membership. if you are experiencing financial hardship and must reduce your contribution this year, you can.

The purpose of the oneg is to provide light refreshments after the service (we provide wine and challah for Kiddish and Motzi blessings). Hosting an oneg is a responsibility, but also an honor, and a way to meet others at CBSRZ with whom you may not had any previous contact. Your thoughtful fulfillment of this task is, as always, greatly appreciated.

Building Assessment
In 1998, we undertook the raising of funds for a new synagogue building. The response was remarkable, as $ million was given or pledged, enabling us to forgo a mortgage. New members are asked to pledge, for a defined period beginning in the second year of membership, funds for capital needs in the present day, as part of the community effort. Single: $1,625 ($325 per year for 5 years)
Family: $2,500 ($500 per year for 5 years)
Summer Member: $1,250 ($250 per year for 5 years)

Thank you for completing the membership application. When you click "submit" your application will be sent and you will be contacted by the CBSRZ office within the next few business days to review your application. If you have any questions regarding this application, please contact the CBSRZ office at 860-526-8920. Thank you.