NORTHWOOD and Pinner Liberal Synagogue has become the first Synagogue in the country to cut its one off entry fee in a move to make membership more accessible to those in the surrounding areas.
Traditionally, new members over the age of 50 have been asked to pay both an entry fee (as a contribution to funeral costs) and an annual subscription to join the Synagogue.
From September 1 2016 to March 31 2017, NPLS will be waiving the entry fee for those who are aged between 50 and 69 and who join during this period.
Speaking about waiving the entry fee, Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, Senior Rabbi at NPLS, said: “To my knowledge, this is the first time a Synagogue has taken such a step and it reflects how concerned we’ve been that the one-off entry fee has been a barrier for those wanting to join our community.
“Why should others in our faith be prevented from joining the Synagogue of their choice? We are now removing that barrier to make it easier to join our welcoming, vibrant and non-judgemental community.”
New members who join during this trial will be entitled to a burial plot in one of Liberal Judaism’s cemeteries, or to be cremated.
The NPLS is the largest Liberal Jewish community outside of central London.
NPLS will also pay the cost of a basic funeral.
Anyone interested in finding out more about this membership trial can visit the NPLS website at: http://www.npls.org.uk/newmembershiptrial
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