The New York Jewish Week reports this week that New York synagogues are considering charging congregants a fuel tax to help offset the rising cost of energy. (Yes, yes, I mentioned this in the roundup, but I felt like this deserved its own entry as well.)
Reports Stewart Ain:
“With heating oil and natural gas prices up about 60 percent over last winter, some area synagogues are now imposing fuel surcharges on members, increasing dues and consolidating events in order to close their buildings and lower the heat a few nights each week.
And the annual Kol Nidre appeal — used in the past to raise money for new programs — will now be used by some synagogue presidents to solicit donations to keep the lights and heat on.”
The National Council of Young Israel also held a meeting of leadership this week to discuss how its 200 member synagogues could reduce their energy costs.
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