February 05, 2012   12 Sh'vat 5772
Temple Brith Achim 
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Potential/New-Member FAQ  

TBA POTENTIAL/NEW MEMBER FAQ

Updated 8/17/11

Membership

How many member families do you have?
We currently have just over 260 families.

Do you have members from my neighborhood?
We have members representing 38 zip codes in 6 sectional centers. The most populated zip codes for our membership as of August 2011 are:

19087 19406 19312
19460 19426 19403

Dues

What are the dues?
Instead of our old dues structure, we now have a new annual membership commitment. This is a very flexible format that places emphasis on both gifts of the heart (money) and gifts of the hand (volunteering). Our Financial Secretary would be very happy to discuss any concerns if they arise.

Do you have special rates for seniors, singles and under 30?
We have specific rates those under 30 that apply to married and unmarried, with or without children. Seniors and over 30 singles fall under the regular annual membership commitment. However, our new Gift of the Heart program makes membership very accessible for all.

Is there a separate Building Fund fee for new members?
Yes. Any concerns regarding membership commitment pledges and fees can be discussed in confidence with our Financial Secretary.

Does TBA accept members regardless of their financial situation?
Yes, we do. It has always been our policy to welcome members regardless of their financial circumstances. Members or potential members who would like to discuss their membership commitment can call the Temple office and we will have our Financial Secretary contact you, in confidence.

Services

Do you require tickets for the High Holy Days?
Admission for services is included in membership. Admission Cards are not required for Children’s Services, and for visiting college students at adult services.

Can a non-member attend adult High Holy Day services?
Yes, High Holy Day Guest Cards are available for purchase from the Temple office. Non-member area college students may receive a complimentary ticket by request.

What are the times for your Shabbat services?
In July and August, Friday night services are at 7 pm. Other months they are at 8 pm, except the first Friday of most months when our family service begins at 7 pm. On Saturday mornings, services are at 10:30 am all year long except for Shabbat in the Park which begins at 11 am.

 

 

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Do you have special services for children?
The first Friday of almost every month is a family service for school-age children and their families. One Saturday morning a month, we also have a Tot Shabbat service for children ages 5 and under. During the High Holy Days, we offer Children’s Services for young families and junior congregation for our Hebrew school children.

Outreach

How many families are Interfaith?
About half of our families consider themselves Interfaith and we make a concerted effort to have everyone feel comfortable and included.

What do you do to make Interfaith families feel comfortable here?
We have an Outreach committee that, among other things, focuses on Interfaith families. Outreach plans special programs and classes for the entire congregation. We understand that not everyone in our community is Jewish and that not every member reads Hebrew. Our services include a good amount of English and the Hebrew usually includes transliteration and translation. Periodically, we also offer Adult Hebrew and Introduction to Judaism classes for all of our members, including those who may not necessarily be interested in conversion, but are interested in learning more about the Jewish faith, traditions, holidays, etc.

Religious School

How many students are in your religious school?

Almost 200.

What grades attend the religious school?
Pre-school through grade 10. This includes the milestone events of Consecration, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and Confirmation.

How many students are in each class?
While class size varies, most classes have 10-12 students per class.

What are the days/hours for Religious School?
On Sundays and Wednesdays we have an early and a late session. The current schedule is:

Pre-School - Grade 6 Sunday early session (8:30-10:45 am) or late session (11 am -1:15 pm)
Grades 3-6 Wednesday early session (4:30-6 pm) or late session (6:15-7:45 pm)
For Grades 3-6, Wednesday session is in addition to Sunday classes
Grade 7 Wednesday 6:15-7:45 pm and some Sundays
Grades 8-10 A new three-track flexible program including a mix of Wednesday night classes, Sunday experiences, and/or independent study.

 
Is membership required to enroll my child in religious school?
Yes, membership at TBA is required to enroll.

Beyond membership, is there an extra fee for religious school tuition?
Yes, as well as charges for books and materials. We are happy to discuss the financials if there are any concerns.

 

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TBA Life

What are some of the committees and activities at TBA?

There’s a wide range of activities and many ways to get involved. Here are just some:

Committee/Activity Member Contact

-Adult Choir - Steve Hirsch
-Adult Education  - Larry Mazis
-Any Nesters - Jacquie Student
-Building and Grounds - Peter Walsh
-Caring Community - Kathy Roberts
-Communications  - Heidi Rosenau-Sinel
-Lifelong Jewish Learning - Kareen Hartwig
-Membership - Jean Kintisch
-Men’s Club - Bruce Broser
-Outreach - Jay Popky
-Planning - David Bomzer
-PRSO - Maria Paris
-Ritual - Lori Weiner
-School Board - Rhonda Hager
-Sisterhood/Women of Reform Judaism - Adrienne Kerbel, Jan Biros, Laurie Miccolis
-Sisterhood Gift Shop - Sharon Weinberg & Laurie Miccolis
-Social Action - Rob Bernstein
-TBA Band - Jay Popky
-Tot Shabbat services - Beth Cohen
-Ways and Means - Cheryl Carmel

Who are the members of the Executive Committee?

Executive Committee
President - Jon Edelman
First Vice President - Heidi Rosenau-Sinel
Second Vice President  - Matt Shapiro
Treasurer - Ruth Levy
Financial Secretary - Kareen Hartwig
Recording Secretary  - Ken Hornstein
Immediate Past President  - Mark Sugarman
 

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Who are the professionals on your staff?

Professional Staff

Rabbi - Eric J. Lazar
Office Manager/Exec Asst to Rabbi - Cindy Poust
Director of Lifelong Jewish Learning - Sharon Forman-Toll
Assistants to Director LJL - Barbara Weisman
Financial Administrator - Eileen Kosterich

 

What are some of your current building plans?
We just completed the renovation of our kitchen. We opened our Early Childhood Learning Center in Fall 2009. Also in Fall 2009, we completed the redesign of the library into a library/lounge area called the TBA Cafe. We have already found new uses for our older classrooms including a Youth Lounge, a music room, a computer lab, and a workshop.

What do you like about TBA?
This will vary for every person you ask. We are a warm and welcoming community of diverse members.
We offer a wide range of social events, community service opportunities, prayer and study.

TBA History

When was the synagogue founded?
We were founded in 1971.

Have you always been at this location?
We met in various places until we moved here in 1982. This is our first permanent home.

When was the new wing completed?
The Powell Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning was completed in November 2008 and we officially "opened" it during a large open house dedication event in January 2009.

Temple Brith Achim
481 South Gulph Road, King Of Prussia, PA  19406
Tel: (610) 337-2222    Fax: (610) 337-5822

 

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