Below you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about 2026–27 membership commitments at Emanu El—what is changing, why, and how we will continue to support members who need financial flexibility.
Annual Commitment Reduction FormAfter careful review, the Board has set the Sustaining Annual Commitment at $2,400 for a single‑adult household and $3,600 for a two‑adult household, plus the mandatory $600 dollar security fee.
This is roughly $8–$12 a day, comparable to a simple lunch or coffee and a snack.
Yes, and we’ve added a new level!
Over the years, the true cost of sustaining Emanu El has outpaced what our current annual commitment model brings in, especially when about 50% of our members contribute below the level needed to sustain our operations.
Today, the actual average cost of operating our congregation is approximately $3,500 for a single‑adult household and $5,000 for a two‑adult household. By setting sustaining commitments below these true costs, we create operating deficits that must ultimately be covered through reserves, enhanced giving, or future increases.
Even after renegotiating contracts and streamlining operations, annual commitments must increase, otherwise we risk continued operating deficits, strain on staff and programs, and less flexibility to respond to needs and opportunities.
The new amounts bring us closer to the true cost of operating our synagogue.
Leadership has reviewed the budget line by line, reduced or delayed non‑essential expenditures, renegotiated vendor contracts where possible, and sought efficiencies in operations. These efforts have lowered costs significantly, but they are not sufficient on their own to close the operating deficit.
The operating deficit is not related to the L’dor Vador campaign or the new construction project, which has been funded separately through the generous dollars raised specifically for that purpose. Membership dues and other synagogue operating revenues are not used to fund the new building, and there is no commingling of funds between these two very distinct areas.
The deficit we are addressing is strictly operational. Over several years, the cost of sustaining our clergy and staff, education, security, facilities, and programming has exceeded what our dues model generated. While we reduced the deficit significantly last year through Year One of the Step Up initiative, we still have work to do to bring annual commitments closer to the actual cost of operating the synagogue.
Additional revenue from dues will help make sure we’re able to cover our operational expenses, and allow us to support clergy and staff, building operations and maintenance, security, youth and adult education, worship services, pastoral care, and community programs.
Yes. You will receive several communications outlining the renewal date, your household category, and your 2026-27 standard dues amount. 2026-27 charges — standard or enhanced rates — will be visible in accounts beginning in March.
Households who can contribute at or above the sustaining level are expected to do so.
Households who genuinely cannot afford the sustaining amount may request an Annual Commitment Reduction through a confidential process handled with dignity and respect; no one will ever be denied membership for financial reasons.
We know these are significant commitments, and they are not right for every household. That is why our confidential Annual Commitment Reduction process remains central: if the sustaining level is beyond your means, we will work with you confidentially to find a level that fits your situation so that belonging is never dependent solely on your capacity to pay.
Yes, there will be time to make any necessary adjustments before anything is charged to your payment method.
2026-27 charges — standard or enhanced rates — will be visible in accounts beginning in March.
If you are requesting an adjustment through our confidential Annual Commitment Reduction process, complete this form first.
If the sustaining level is beyond your means, please complete this confidential Annual Commitment Reduction form. A member of our team will follow up within a few business days for a personal conversation to walk you through the reduction process.
Beginning this year, any household that needs to request an adjustment to the sustaining level will do so using the Annual Commitment Reduction form. This is a change from past years, when many of these conversations happened informally, whether through emails or phone calls.
As our community has grown, that approach has made it harder to keep track of who needs follow‑up, to respond in a timely manner, and to protect everyone’s privacy.
The purpose of this form is not to add bureaucracy; it is to give us a clear, consistent way to understand your situation, respond promptly, and honor your confidentiality. The form simply starts the process.
The new Annual Commitment Reduction form helps us:
Filling out the form is not a judgment and no one is denied membership for financial reasons. The form is simply a tool we are using to make sure that promise is carried out fairly and compassionately for every household.
Financial arrangements are handled with dignity, respectfully and confidentially. Your involvement in congregational life does not depend on the amount you are able to contribute. No one will ever be turned away from membership at Emanu El for financial reasons.
Yes. Many members support Emanu El through additional gifts (enhanced giving levels), endowment contributions, and volunteer service. While dues are the primary source of operating revenue, all forms of participation and generosity strengthen our community.
If you prefer a personal conversation, please reach out to our clergy or Executive Director directly. You are welcome to pay dues by check, or through a donor-advised fund or stock transfer.
Your annual commitment is what keeps Emanu El operating every single day. It underwrites clergy and staff, worship, religious school, pastoral care, security, utilities, and basic program costs—everything that makes it possible for us to be a functioning spiritual home when you need us.
Campaigns like L’dor Vador, Rabbi Hayon’s celebration, or the Strength-to-Strength annual appeal are time‑limited opportunities to support specific needs or moments, such as construction of our new building, honoring beloved leaders, funding a particular project, or providing “above and beyond” resources that our operating budget cannot cover.
Think of it this way:
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to a member of our clergy team, our Executive Director, Beryl Chernov, or Director of Congregational Advancement, Anna Shabtay. Your continued membership, and your willingness to speak with us if you have concerns, makes a direct difference in the strength and stability of our community.
If you have additional questions that are not addressed here, please send them to info@emanuelhouston.org.
