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Welcome to our Westminster Community

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Welcome to Westminster Synagogue, an independent and progressive Jewish community in which learning, community and spirituality are at the heart of all we do.
We are delighted that you want to be part of our community.

Please note, that we ask all potential members to have had a meeting with one of our rabbis, staff, or lay leaders before applying for membership so we can get to know you better. If you have not yet been in touch with Dana, our Membership Coordinator, please do so before completing our Membership Form. Equally, if you have had your conversations and want to officially become a member and/or friend of our community, please complete the form below. And, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate, we are more than happy to help!

Adult 1

Please complete the information below for the main adult applying for membership. Please note that if you are applying as an interfaith couple, this section should be completed by the Jewish person.

General Information

Title

* First Name

Preferred Name (if different)

* Last Name

Hebrew Name

You may write Hebrew Names either in Hebrew or in English Transliteration

Father's Hebrew Name

Mother's Hebrew Name

* Date of Birth

Gender

Home Phone

* Mobile

* Address

* City

* County

* Postcode

* Email Address

Current Occupation

Organisation (if relevant)

Relationship Status

Anniversary (if applicable, we will love to celebrate you)

Religious Information

* Religious Background

Please Select OneJewish - LiberalJewish - ReformJewish - OrthodoxJewish - Other (please specify)Converting to JudaismNot Jewish

If "Jewish - Other" or "Non-Jewish" - Please give more information below

Did you belong to a Synagogue before joining us? If so please let us know which one:

Date of Bar/Bat Mitzvah (if relevant)

There are opportunities each week to get involved by fulfilling a Mitzvah (commandment) in the service. Mitzvot can vary from lighting candles, reading Psalms or Prayers in English, reading parts of the Service or from the Torah in Hebrew and more.

With more and more members fulfilling Mitzvot, we thought it would be a perfect time for you to let us know which Mitzvot you already feel comfortable and pleased to accept, or if you'd like to learn more on how to perform them.

Reading in English (Haftarah/Prayers)

Please SelectWould like to be invitedWould like to learnPlease do not invite

Reading in Hebrew (Torah, Service Leading)

Please SelectWould like to be invitedWould like to learnPlease do not invite

Hagbah (Elevating the Torah)

Please SelectWould like to be invitedWould like to learnPlease do not invite

Gelilah (Dressing/Undressing the Torah)

Please SelectWould like to be invitedWould like to learnPlease do not invite

Other Practical Mitzvot (Candle Lighting/Opening Ark)

Please SelectWould like to be invitedWould like to learnPlease do not invite

Anything to note?

Emergency Information

In order to properly care for you whilst in our building, we do ask you to let us know the following information:

Emergency Contact Name

Phone Number

Relationship

Do you have and allergies or dietary requirements?

Adult 2 (if applicable)

If you're joining as a couple, please complete the information for the second adult below. If you are applying as an individual adult, please move onto the next section.

General Information

Title

First Name

Preferred Name (if different)

Last Name

Hebrew Name

You may write Hebrew Names either in Hebrew or in English Transliteration

Father's Hebrew Name

Mother's Hebrew Name

Date of Birth

Gender

Mobile

Email Address

* I am happy to be contacted by:

EmailWhatsapp/TextPhone CallPost

Current Occupation

Organisation (if relevant)

Religious Background

Jewish - LiberalJewish - ReformJewish - OrthodoxJewish - OtherConverting to JudaismNot Jewish

If "Jewish - Other" or "Non-Jewish" - Please give more information below

Religious Information

Did you belong to a Synagogue before joining us? If so please let us know which one:

Date of Bar/Bat Mitzvah (if relevant)

Reading in English (Haftarah/Prayers)

Please SelectWould like to be invitedWould like to learnPlease do not invite

Reading in Hebrew (Torah, Service Leading)

Please SelectWould like to be invitedWould like to learnPlease do not invite

Hagbah (Elevating the Torah)

Please SelectWould like to be invitedWould like to learnPlease do not invite

Gelilah (Dressing/Undressing the Torah)

Please SelectWould like to be invitedWould like to learnPlease do not invite

Other Practical Mitzvot (Candle Lighting/Opening Ark)

Please SelectWould like to be invitedWould like to learnPlease do not invite

Anything to note?

Emergency Information

In order to properly care for you whilst in our building, we do ask you to let us know the following information:

Emergency Contact Name

Phone Number

Relationship

Do you have and allergies or dietary requirements?

Child(ren)

Please note that only children under 18 are included in their parents' membership. A separate membership form is required for all over 18s.

* Do you have any children (under 18)

Please Select OneYesNo

* Do you have any children (over 18)

Please Select OneYesNo

Press "+" below for each child under 18

* Child's First Name

Middle Name

* Last Name

Preferred Name / Nickname

Hebrew Name

* Child's Date of Birth

Gender

Mobile

Email Address

Living at main address on account?

YesNo

If no, please indicate address:

Allergies or Dietary Requirements

Religious Background

Jewish - LiberalJewish - ReformJewish - OrthodoxJewish - Other (please specify)Converting to JudaismNot Jewish

If "Jewish - Other" or "Non-Jewish" - Please give more information below

Date of Bar/Bat Mitzvah (if applicable)

Name of School/College/Uni or Occupation:

School Year:

* Would you be interested in learning more about Tots, Or Shabbat, B'nei Mitzvah or Teens for this child?

Please Select OneYesNo

Hobbies and Interests?

Is there any additional information you wish to let us know about?

Yahrzeit Information:

At Westminster, we read the names of loved ones who are no longer with us on the Shabbat closest to the anniversary of their passing. Julieta, our Services & Lifecycles Coordinator, will notify you of the date your loved one's name will be read in the service. Do let us know the both the English and Hebrew name of your loved one if you can and if you have further information to share, Julieta can be reached at julieta@westminstersynagogue.org

We like to share Yahrzeit information with other members in the Community Wishes section of our Weekly E-Letter, please do confirm below whether you would like us to include your observances during the year.

Yahrzeit #1 Name

Yahrzeit #1 Hebrew Name

Relationship

Secular Date of Passing

Yahrzeit #2 Name

Yahrzeit #2 Hebrew Name

Relationship

Secular Date of Passing

* Would you like us to share your Yahrzeit with the community in our e-letter

Please Select OneYesNo

Community Life

A key principle of our community is our focus on relational Judaism, putting people first as we deepen our connections with other members in our community.

Members get to meet one another throughout the year at various services, kiddushim, events and classes held at the Synagogue, but we encourage members to let us know their interests so you can bring those passions to Synagogue life and meet people with similar interests.

We hope you find an area that sparks an interest, and reach out and to start a new chapter in your Westminster journey. We would love to help you find a way to connect, and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and get in touch with the Office or drop us an email.

Do you, or any members of your household, have any hobbies or interests that you would like to share with or community? (Reading, Card Games, Acting, Sports etc.) Please do let us know who in your household likes these areas!

Over recent years, more members than ever have stepped up to play an active role in various areas of Synagogue life. From festival planning to creating new learning opportunities; baking to book club; social action to service learning, we’re seeing an exciting growth in the many ways that members commit to and care for our special community

Do you, or members of your household, have any professional skills that could potentially be shared with the community - whether an addition to services, education, events or even governance! (For example musical talents, event planning, bartending, finance, law, cooking etc.)

Westminster Synagogue has a wealth of teams, programmes and projects, and we invite you to learn more about them. This is a great way to meet members with similar interests, become integrated into our Jewish community and discover new areas that may excite you! Select those areas below that you or members of your household would like to learn more about and we'll ensure you're kept in the loop!:

Chulyot: As part of the community's initiative to enhance music in our services, we are holding Chulyot sessions in which we will especially focus on singing for Friday Nights. The emphasis will be to have fun and to create a community of song!Adult Education: From Torah Study to Jewish Practice and History, our Adult Education sessions help develop your knowledge and understanding of JudaismChildren's Education: Whether our Tots, Or Shabbat, B'nei Mitzvah or Teens activities, our team create exciting sessions for the younger members of our communityChesed: As a community we continue to do all we can to be there for our members and particularly for the elderly, lonely or vulnerable. From phone calls to teas, come and connect with those who need it most!Czech Scrolls: We have two Torah Scrolls on loan from the Memorial Scrolls Trust from the towns of Hořovice and Přeštice. Throughout the year we raise awareness of these communities, along with the amazing work of the Memorial Scrolls Trust.Festivals: Our Festivals team focus on creating meaningful experiences for our community for Purim, Shavuot, Sukkot, Simchat Torah and ChanukahCultural Events: With so many Jewish actors, artists, musicians, authors and more, our cultural events team engage members through a range of events, concerts and exhibitions throughout the year!Westminster 1:1s: As part of our commitment to Relational Judaism, we created our 1:1 initiative to connect various members within the community so they can have a chance to grab a coffee and connect with another member outside of the Synagogue walls.Next Dor: Our group for those in their 20s/30s to make new connections. . "Dor" means "Generation" in Hebrew, and we're excited to create a space for our generation to connect both in Kent House (Westminster) and throughout London (next door!).Oy Vey: Our group for those who are within the LGBTQ+ community and their allies! We've held quizzes, torah study lunches and theatre trips and look forward to more chances to connect!Patrons: In order to help ensure we can continue to deliver high level care, service and progammes for our community, our Patrons group commits to a fixed annual donation. As thanks we also hold bespoke events for our Patrons group each year.Welcome Team: Be part of our team to welcome members and visitors in to our building during events and services - ensuring there's a friendly face to say hello to!Cooking: Whether a cooking lesson, a challah bake or preparing Kiddush together, come lend your culinary talents to our communtiy!Book Club: Are you an avid reader? Our Book club meets once a month on Zoom or in person and discusses a chosen book!Bridge Club: Bridge players of all levels are welcome for rubber bridge in a social and friendly environment. No need to come with a partner - we will pair you with someone. Even if it has been some time since you last played, don't be afraid to join!Social Justice: Our Tzedek team is committed to looking beyond our walls to create systemic change that develops us as leaders. Challenging oppression of all kinds, we strive to make our community and world an even more just and welcoming place.Social Action: Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, is a key pillar of Judaism and we want to ensure we are doing our part to look outside of our community and make a difference to those in need.Community Connectors: Our community extends beyond the walls of Kent House. With so many members living close to one another, our Community Connectors seeks to bring together members at home for dinners and chats!Dip In: Every so often we have vital odd jobs that members kindly assist with. From stuffing envelopes to cleaning Judaica, we are grateful for those members who can volunteer to help!

Is there anything you would like to share with us that hasn't been included above? This might include why you've decided to join our community at this time, any fears or hopes you have about joining our community, people you already know or anything else:

Membership Fees

Our annual subscription year runs from May 1st to April 30th. In the year of joining members’ subscriptions are pro-rated to the next April 30th in whole months.

Subscription rates are reviewed annually. In cases where the standard subscriptions rates are beyond their means, members are asked to discuss the matter in confidence with either the Chairman, the Rabbis or the Membership Coordinator . Those able to pay more than the standard rates are earnestly requested to do so. If you are in the 18-23 age category, no charge will be made unless you are in full time paid employment.

We will contact you to collect your first payment once your membership has been approved. You may mark below your prefered payment method and frequency.

Age Brackets are calculated from 1st May 2024	Annual Subs 2024 - 2025	Quarterly Subs 2024 - 2025
Joint Memberships
Joint 36 +	£1340	£335
Joint 32 - 35	£1020	£255
Joint 28 - 31	£600	£150
Joint 24 - 27	£332	£83
Joint 18 - 23*	£180	£45
Individual Memberships
Individual 36+	£800	£200
Individual 32 - 35	£600	£150
Individual 28 - 31	£360	£90
Individual 24 - 27	£200	£50
Individual 18 - 23*	£100	£25

*No charge unless in full time paid employment

Joint Memberships include Individual & Friend Memberships (where a partner is not Jewish but wishes to be involved in community life) and joint-Independent Friend memberships (where two people are converting to Judaism with us)

Single Applications are for those who are applying by themselves (either as a full member, or an Independent Friend who is converting to Judaism with us) or those with a partner who doesn't wish to be involved in community life.

Please do not hesitate to open a discussion of concessions if this would make you more comfortable. We never want finances to be a barrier to community.

* Please do confirm which membership bracket you are applying for

* I/we agree to pay the £35/pp annual contribution to the Board of Deputies (Optional but recommended)

Please Select OneYesNoI would like more informationYou can learn more about the Board of Deputies here.

* Do you wish to participate in the Burial Scheme

Please Select OneYesNo(Please read our description pack and we will include payment after membership for the first year plus over-age supplement if necessary in due course.)

* Do you wish to know more about cremation or would like further information regarding a niche in the Synagogue Columbarium

Please Select OneYesNoFurther information about the Synagogue Columbarium can be found here.

Gift Aid

If you are a UK taxpayer, the value of your gift can be increased by 25% under the Gift Aid scheme at no extra cost to you. Gift Aid is reclaimed by the Synagogue from the tax you pay for the current tax year.

Name of person completing Gift Aid

I want to Gift Aid my donation and any donations I make in the future or have made in the past 4 years

I confirm that I am not receiving any tickets, goods or services through this donation

I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax in the current tax year than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations it is my responsibility to pay any difference.

Date of Declaration

Please notify Westminster Synagogue if you:

want to cancel this declaration
change your name or home address
no longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains

If you pay Income Tax at the higher or additional rate and want to receive the additional tax relief due to you, you must include all your Gift Aid donations on your Self-Assessment tax return or ask HM Revenue and Customs to adjust your tax code.

Declaration

* I/We, being of the Jewish faith, wish to become (a) member(s) of Westminster Synagogue.

Please Select OneI acceptI do not accept

* I wish to join as a Friend of Westminster Synagogue, until such time as I can become a full member

Please Select OneYesNoNot applicable

* I/we agree to pay the appropriate membership subscription fee for the year beginning 1st May and will do so at a chosen frequency.

Please Select OneI agree to make an annual payment on 1st MayI agree to make quarterly payments on 1st May, August, November and FebruaryI agree to make monthly payments (excluded from our automated direct debit scheme)I do not accept

* I/We will sign a Direct Debit Mandate for my Synagogue Fees. (Encouraged)

Please Select OneYesNo, I/We will pay by Bank TransferNo, I/We will pay by ChequeNo, I/We will pay by Standing Order and notify you of date and amountNo, I/We will pay by CAFNo, my/our account will be paid for by someone elseYou can access our Direct Debit Form here.
Please note that while we are happy to update our records with the details from an electronically submitted form, we do also require a physical copy with an ink signature. You may bring this with you on your next visit, or mail your form by post to the address stated on the form.

* I would like to make an additional donation upon joining the Synagogue

Please Select OneYesNo

If yes, please confirm how much you would like to donate

* I confirm I am submitting this form with the permission of everyone noted in this form

Please Select OneYesNo

* Name of person completing application

We will be processing your information in line with our privacy notice, which is available on our website or from our office.

Thu, 21 November 2024 20 Cheshvan 5785

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