Become Part of the Community!
Want to become a member? Interested in finding out more?
Email our membership coordinator or give us a call at 613-239-4988.
In order to become a member, you will need an account on our site. If you don't have an account on our site, you will need to reach out to our membership coordinator, who will create one for you. Once you have created an account, you can join as a member by clicking on the button below! Fees for anyone joining after the High Holidays will be pro-rated according to when they join.
Our Many Hands Membership Model
When we offer of ourselves, our time, our hearts, our ideas, to our beloved community, we are participating in acts that are radical and spiritual, classical and contemporary, personal and communal. We are doing what we have always done, ledor vador, from generation to generation, yet with a clear-eyed view from the 21st century.
- Rabbi Elizabeth Bolton
As members of Or Haneshamah, we are partners with our Rabbi in the hands-on work of creating a vibrant and engaging experience of Reconstructionist Judaism.
To ensure that the work needed to sustain that experience is balanced among all members, we use a "Many Hands" approach; many hands make light work! When you register as a member of Or Haneshamah, you will be asked to join a Many Hands team and commit to giving a small number of volunteer hours toward helping our congregation run smoothly. You can find out what these teams do, how you can get involved, and answers to more frequently asked questions on our Many Hands page.
New Member Donation Rates, 2022-2023
Full Membership |
Suggested Rate |
|---|---|
|
One-adult household
|
$576
|
|
Two-adult household
|
$1,152
|
|
|
|
One-adult household
|
$396
|
|
Two-adult household
|
$792
|
|
|
|
One-adult household
|
$40
|
|
Two-adult household
|
$80
|
|
|
|
One-adult household
|
$117
|
|
Two-adult household
|
$234
|
Our recommended rates are based on the yearly costs required to run Or Haneshamah. In addition to our recommended donation rates, members have the option to choose their own donation amount. If you are unable to match our recommended rates, please contact our membership coordinator, who will arrange for you to pay an amount respective of your current circumstances. We are always willing to accommodate for financial need, and keep all inquires strictly confidential.
- If you are able to contribute more that the suggested amount, we highly encourage you to do so! We suggest paying 1% of your pre-tax household income, if you can afford to do so. Any additional amounts contributed go directly to supporting our programs and services, including subsidizing membership for those who require such.
We ask everyone to choose a donation level that respects the membership and clergy that uphold our community, and at the same time, corresponds responsibly to personal circumstances. If you have questions or concerns about our rates, please contact us! We would love to be able to help you join our community.
All member donations are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
Membership Categories and Privileges
Student Membership
Students currently attending a secondary or post-secondary education program are eligible for student membership. Student members receive the same privileges as Full Members at a generously discounted rate.
Associate Membership
Are you already a member of an Ottawa congregation? Do you live outside the Ottawa region? Regardless of the reason that you want to be a "sometimes member", the associate membership tier is in place for you! You'll be able to pop in and enjoy our services whenever it suits you, and we'll always be here to say "hello!"
Please note that associate members are not entitled to the various privileges that full members receive, including attending HHD at no cost, voting at congregational meetings and others detailed below.
Full Membership
Full membership is based on the number of adults in the household and includes all children under age 23. Our first year members receive a discount off the yearly suggested donation rate. Membership privileges include: sharing and participation in all OrH activities and events; High Holy Days services at no additional cost and may include immediate family members at the High Holy Days at significantly reduced fees; spiritual and pastoral support from the Rabbi; Rabbi officiation at all life-cycle events that occur during regularly scheduled services; full voting rights at congregational meetings and may sit on the OrH Board; and access to Jewish Memorial Gardens.
Want to join after visiting us for HHD? We will apply whatever you paid for Tishrei towards your first year membership donation!
We offer the choice of a discount of 50% off our yearly full membership rate or a FREE associate membership to households who enroll their children in our Machaneh Shabbat (Shabbat Camp) program. Visit our Machaneh Shabbat page for further information on this program!
OrH Full Members receive a 20% discount on a first-time membership to the Soloway Jewish Community Centre (SJCC). Note to current JCC members seeking a reciprocal discount on first-year OrH membership: The first-year member donation rates above reflect a discount of more than 25% off our regular member donation rates. We do not add an additional discount onto the already discounted first-year rate.
