It has often been said that even the mightiest rivers must start as a narrow stream; that is how membership at Beth Am will shape your life once you take the important first step of “trying us out”.
At first, you’ll likely see what the synagogue can mean for spiritual worship, vibrant and joyous but respectful of the ancient Jewish traditions. But look a little closer, spend a few more minutes getting to know about the place, and you’ll soon see that Temple Beth Am is more than just a place to pray. In fact if you are a regular reader of this article you may already know how many social, athletic, educational, and “just plain fun” events happen on our campus, each and every day of the year.
And so, please accept this as yet another invitation to see how you can find a lasting place at Beth Am. We genuinely want you to understand how you can “fit in” with us and are excitedly waiting to welcome you with open arms!
Our leadership has heard from its membership with regard to the way we interact with the greater community, at large. To that end and because we live in these difficult economic times, the membership department has created an incentive package for more of the unaffiliated in our area to take advantage of all that Temple Beth Am has to offer. For the coming year, we have proudly re-introduced the “Get to Know Us” promotion, a first year incentive of $500 that includes all High Holy Day service tickets, annual security fee and full access to the hundreds of programming membership benefits during the year. This new policy is offered on top of the incentives we already have for seniors and young adults (who receive complimentary membership until the age of 29).
And finally, as a cornerstone to the fundamentals of the religion as well as of the institution, we’ll never turn anyone away from membership for financial reasons. Beth Am aims to be a vibrant community center, made up of a vast collection of people, without regard to the financial pressures of belonging. After all, if we are to draw strength from one another in prayer, we must certainly be able open our doors to all who wish to join us. Once you’re here, you’ll realize how much you’ve been missing.
I write this article to you as a volunteer member of the synagogue’s enthusiastic membership committee; I don’t work for the temple and I did not have the good fortune of growing up in Miami. In fact, I can still recall my first experiences at Beth Am, as it seemed like a campus that was larger than life and overwhelming with activities. Now, 15 years later, it is hard to remember my life without this profound Judaic connection. My young family has invaluable connections to so many there and my business success is directly related to the variety of people I interact with, week in and week out. There is an undeniable spirit at Temple Beth Am and it can only get stronger as new energy and innovative suggestions help to shape it for the coming years.
Take a closer look at Beth Am by visiting our campus, reviewing the website or asking the people you know around town that currently are members. If Beth Am is to be the vibrant river of Jewish life in Miami it will need to be nourished by all of the incoming rivers, from all corners of our community. And together, with your active participation, we will make a huge “splash” for generations to come. Hope to see you there!
For more information about Temple Beth Am and membership incentives, call membership director Rita Diaz at 305-667- 6667, ext. 107, email rdiaz@tbam.org or join us for a personal tour and breakfast on Sunday, March 3, at 11 a.m. Please RSVP! Check out our website at www.tbam.org
