Although Reform Jews are giving greater financial support to their temples than ever before they still lag behind church members in this regard, according to a survey made public today by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. The survey was conducted by Max Feder, honorary president of the National Association of Temple Secretaries.
In a breakdown of answers to a questionnaire submitted by 201 temples Mr. Feder found that the average per family contribution was $128.40. Seventh Day Adventists averaged $197.24 for their churches; Free Methodists $207.56 and other Protestant groups ranged from $128.40 to $155.42 in their family contributions. The survey establishes that the average dues paid to temples amounted to $94.75; the balance between this figure and the $128.40 represented what members contributed in special appeals, temple journals, bazaars and other fund-raising devices. In a similar survey conducted in 1950 it was disclosed that the average dues was $76.60.
The report reveals diversities in dues structures among various congregations. “There were 27 congregations,” writes Mr. Feder, in which “there is a uniform fee for all members. The other 174 congregations have a graduated dues income. In general, it might be said there is a growing tendency to depart from a uniform membership fee which penalizes the lower-income congregant to the advantage of the well-to-do congregant, and to establish a dues plan based upon the voluntary exercise of the member’s sense of responsibility and obligation to the congregation.”
In still another respect temples find themselves trailing churches, according to the report. This is the field of investments as a stable source of congregational income. “In this area,” writes Mr. Feder, “we have much to learn from our Christian brethren, with their heavily endowed churches, supported in substantial measure by the investment of their reserve funds and foundations Only 34 temples reported such incomes.” Mr. Feder urged greater recourse to investments and endowments for temple income.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
