Membership Info

History

In the late 1960's a group of Jewish families in the Buffalo Grove, Long Grove and Wheeling communities started meeting on a regular basis with the intent of forming a conservative Jewish synagogue.  Those meetings led to the founding of Congregation Beth Judea in 1969. The original building was dedicated in the early 1970's.  A major expansion was completed in 1985.   Another smaller expansion was finished in 1999.

Who Are We?

Congregation Beth Judea is an egalitarian conservative synagogue affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.  The congregation has over 700 families and 2000 members.  Congregation Beth Judea is a highly diverse synagogue.  Our membership includes young couples, seniors, parents with children living at home, Empty Nesters and singles.  The synagogue provides extensive programming designed to meet the needs of all our congregants.

Membership Categories

Beth Judea has several membership categories.  They include:

     1.  Married or single parents with one or more children in our 2 day a week Hebrew School

     2.  Post B’nai Mitzvah

     3.  No children at home

     4.  Oldest family member age 59 to 64

     5.  Oldest family member age 65 or older

     6.  Young couples or singles (with or without children)

     7.  Married or single parents with children in Sunday school 

In addition to these categories, Congregation Beth Judea offers one year free membership to newly married couples whose parents are members in good standing.

Dues and Fees

Synagogue dues and fees are based on the above mentioned membership categories.  While most members pay their full share of dues, the financial resources of some member families limits their ability to pay.  Financial aid for these families is available and must be applied for by filling out a “Request for Financial Consideration” form (see link below).  This form must be filled out for each year in which financial aid is desired.

To aid congregants in meeting their financial obligations to the synagogue, we accept Visa and Mastercard for all dues and fees.  Credit card payments may be a pre-arranged lump sum or in ten equal monthly installments.

How do I join Beth Judea?

To join please contact us by email info@bethjudea.org or phone 847-634-0777.

See Below For answers to Membership Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Search for answers to your questions by entering specific keywords to look for, or browse by scrolling through all the FAQs which are sorted by category.

Membership

Q. If my child attends a Hebrew day school, do they need to be enrolled in Beth Judea’s Hebrew School in order to be Bar/Bat Mitzvah?

A. No.  However, arrangements must be made with the synagogue to receive a Bar/Bat Mitzvah date and to discuss the Bar/Bat Mitzvah training.

Q. Does my child have to attend Sunday school prior to enrolling in the 2 day a week Hebrew school?

A. No.  While it is desirable for a child to have this background prior to staring Hebrew school, it is not a requirement.

Q. What is the “Capital Asset Trust Fund”?

A. It is a fund that builds up funds in anticipation of major facility upgrades and/or repairs.  These include roof repair/replacement, carpeting, asphalting, boiler repair/replacement, etc.

Q. Can I choose where I attend High Holiday services?

A. Yes.  In general, if there is available seating, you may attend High Holiday services either at the synagogue or High School as you desire.

Q. Are there assigned seats for High Holiday services?

A. Seating at High Holiday services is on a first come/first served basis.  However, congregants may purchase “reserved seats” for an additional fee.

Q. Can I purchase “Guest tickets” for the High Holidays?

A. If you are a member in good standing you may purchase tickets for family members who do not reside in our community.

Q. If I paid into a building fund at another Conservative synagogue, do I still have to pay into Beth Judea’s building fund?

A. If you can provide documentation as to the amount you paid, that amount will be credited towards your Beth Judea building fund commitment. Note: There is no building fund during the first year of membership or after the oldest family member reaches age 59.

Q. When should I join Beth Judea?

A. Potential new members may join at anytime.  If you join after the High Holidays, dues may be prorated.  However, if you are enrolling children in our Sunday or Hebrew school it is requested that you join no later than July 15th.

Q. My spouse is not Jewish.  Can we still be members of Beth Judea?

A. Only the spouse who is Jewish may be a member of Beth Judea.  The non-Jewish spouse is encouraged to participate in synagogue activities, but cannot be designated a member. Note: for more specific questions in this area, please contact the synagogue office.

Q. Is parking available at the synagogue during the High Holidays?

A. The synagogue does not have enough parking spaces to accommodate those congregants who attend High Holiday services at our main sanctuary.  Spaces are available for handicapped individuals on a pre-arranged basis.  The remaining parking spaces can be reserved for an additional fee.  All other congregants who attend services at our main sanctuary are encouraged to use our free shuttle bus service.