Dear Colleague,
As the Dues Chair for the CCAR, I am glad to reciprocate in service the support that I have received over the forty years of my active rabbinate. As a retiree, my time is more flexible and I am honored to be able to help colleagues in this way. The CCAR provides many services to us in terms of education and support, as well as rabbinic career services and speaking for our Reform Movement in public settings.
Our Conference programs and resources have evolved to address the needs not only of congregational rabbis but also those whose rabbinate is in an academic environment, Hillel, hospital or care facility, agency, or one of many other community-based positions, and we are committed to continuing to grow in this respect. Outstanding continuing education, high quality publications, impactful regional and national conventions, accessible in person and remotely, member support, and rabbinic career services are but some of the ways the CCAR provides assistance to our colleagues. And if you are transitioning to a new job, approaching retirement, in need of career advice, or confronting personal or professional challenges, please reach out to CCAR professional staff who are available to respond with compassion and to offer guidance.
As I am sure you appreciate, it is the financial support of our members which enables the CCAR to fulfill our mission and to provide these and other essential services. And while publication sales, donations, and grants are helpful, it is our annual dues which comprise the greatest part of the CCAR’s revenue.
Annual dues for the 2023–2024 year, which begins July 1, 2023, are based primarily upon income in order to ensure parity and should be calculated according to the schedule on the Dues Commitment Form. Please complete your dues form (making sure the contact information is current) and send it along with your full annual dues by July 31 in accordance with Conference policy. If, however, you are unable to pay the entire dues amount at this time, please specify on the Form and send it in with an initial payment. We do not wish financial hardship to be a barrier to anyone’s participation in the CCAR and will work with you to establish a meaningful contribution that fits your needs. The generous support of those who are able to afford full dues enables us to be a caring and compassionate organization.
Additionally, dues may be paid from rabbinic discretionary funds, provided doing so conforms to your organization’s rules governing the use of these funds.
It is our sincere aspiration to make it possible for you to be part of the CCAR, no matter your financial situation. If you have questions about your dues, are currently experiencing financial hardship for any reason, or need to discuss your situation confidentially, please contact me at rabbiaron@shirhadash.org. If you need to continue your current dues adjustment arrangement, you are welcome to do so without contacting me. All communication will be held in the strictest confidence.
In recognition of our annual requirement for Continuing Rabbinic Education (CRE), please note the Dues Form includes places to indicate you have read the CCAR Code of Ethics, as well as completed five hours of continuing education during the 2022–2023 dues year. Continuing education opportunities are offered through a variety of institutions within our Movement and beyond and may be in person or online. Please find those resources most useful to you. If 2022–2023 was your first year of membership, two of the five hours must have been in the area of ethics.
Thank you for your ongoing involvement, support, and commitment to the vitality of the CCAR.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Melanie Aron
Dues Chair, CCAR