Membership is open to anyone who fulfils the Liberal Judaism criteria of Jewish status (see below) and shares our values. Our subscription rate is £260 per adult member. Payment is due on a calendar year basis, pro-rata for members who join during the year. Some members give additional donations, for which we are most grateful. Many members pay by regular direct debit, arranged by our treasurer.
Our policy is that no-one should be prevented from becoming a member due to inability to pay. Our treasurer is willing to discuss reduced subscriptions for those with limited incomes. Student members generally pay a reduced rate of £10, but some choose to give additional donations.
Our services (except on High Holydays) are open to both members and non-members, but membership provides admission to special events and High Holydays.
Membership is not just about the benefits to you: i is a commitment to the continuation of our community. Without our members we would be nothing.
If you would like to join, please contact our membership secretary at membership@eljc.org or leave a message with your contact details on our voicemail service, making clear your enquiry is about Membership. We will then ask you to complete a Membership Form. There is no need to send any money at this stage. You will be invoiced for membership dues once your membership has been approved.
Associate membership is open to non-Jews who would like to be associated with the community. These could include non-Jewish partners and people who are attending Exploring Judaism classes run by our Rabbi.
If, for any reason, you do not wish to apply for membership (perhaps you are visiting for only a few months, or for any other reason you do not wish to take up membership) you might consider sending a donation to our treasurer (get details of how to do this by emailing treasurer@eljc.org or leaving a message on our community phone).
For more information please consult our Community Information Booklet here.
Jewish status and conversion to Judaism
Judaism is not transmitted genetically but culturally and within families through example and influence. The process of transmission is one of education in the broadest sense, so that what is transmitted is not merely knowledge but beliefs and values, attitudes and ideals, and above all, a sense of identification and commitment. – Liberal Judaism
Provided the person has had a Jewish education and background, Judaism can come via the patrilineal or matrilineal line. Further details on the Liberal approach to Jewish identity can be found at the Liberal Judaism website.
The path towards conversion to Judaism is one requiring substantial commitment. Liberal Judaism welcomes all sincere converts to Judaism and provides for their education. The course, usually lasting at least fifteen months, is administered and validated centrally by Liberal Judaism, but taught locally.