Beth Samuel Jewish Center Welcomes Members Through First Year Program

The Beth Samuel Jewish Center, which serves the Jews of Sewickley, Moon, Cranberry and Beaver County, has announced its new First Year program.

The program provides discounted dues for new families. At just $360, new members pay less than $1 per day.

Bill Snider, Beth Samuel financial vice president, explained the reason behind the offer.

“Times are changing. Younger families with one or two Jewish adults don’t feel the same motivation to belong to a synagogue as their parents. We hope that offering first-year membership at such a significant discount will encourage families to give the synagogue a try, so they can discover for themselves all we have to offer today’s busy families.”

Based in Ambridge, Beth Samuel is described as "a non-denominational, non-judgmental and engaging community ...where members learn, help others, socialize and pray together.  

Many surveys show that Jewish identity is shifting, according to the center. Fewer Jews identify with a specific denomination, identifying instead as “just Jewish.”

Intermarriage rates are at nearly 50 percent. In addition, there is more competition for a family's time and money. 

Beth Samuel member Karen Beaudway said this shouldn’t be confused with not caring about being Jewish.

“The congregation isn’t the center of my life, like it was for my parents. But I loved growing up Jewish…making hamantaschen, Purim carnivals, celebrating Chanukah for eight nights. Being Jewish is important to me; I want my kids to have a strong sense of Jewish identity and pride too.”

When Beth Samuel’s board of directors began discussing ways to attract unaffiliated Jewish and interfaith families, they realized that engaging children is a great place to start.

“My kids won’t learn what it means to be Jewish anywhere else. It’s not reinforced in the larger culture,"  Beaudway said. "I want them to know what it means to be Jewish and to know they aren’t the only Jewish children around. Religious school does that for them. And Beth Samuel’s school is great—they really like it.”

The Jewish holy days (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) are early this year, starting on Sept. 4.  

Beth Samuel's religious school year begins Sept. 8.

Families and individuals are encouraged to join the congregation through the First Year program now, so they can receive tickets to the High Holy Day services, participate in the many holiday-related events, and attend the first day of religious school. 

Interested families can learn more by visiting the Beth Samuel website at www.bethsamuel.org, contacting the synagogue at bethsamueloffice@comcast.net or calling 724-266-5238 for more information.
 
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