A Jewish Approach to Considering Your Membership Commitment

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At CBI, membership is rooted in community and in our shared responsibility for one another.​ Our Fair Share model reflects the belief that each of us contributes according to our ability, so that all can belong and our community can flourish.

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Fair Share is not about fitting into a formula. It is an expression of shared responsibility, belonging, and covenant.​ Together, through kehillah, areyvut, and nediv lev, we sustain a Jewish community where all can belong.

 

FAIR SHARE SELF-ASSESSMENT 

No formula can fully capture the complexity of financial realities. This reflection is simply a guide to help you consider your access to resources and make a commitment that is honest, generous, and sustainable.

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As our tradition teaches, tzedakah is not only charity but justice — each of us helping sustain the community we share. 

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My Financial and Lifestyle Reality

Which description feels closest to your household today?

 

1. I live with financial ease, have flexibility for travel, discretionary spending, saving, and giving, and can absorb unexpected expenses without hardship.

2. I meet my needs comfortably and have room for some extras, while remaining thoughtful about spending.

3. I generally meet my needs, but unexpected expenses matter and extras require planning.

4. I manage basic expenses but have little margin and often face tradeoffs.

5. Meeting basic needs can be difficult, and financial insecurity shapes daily life.

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Assets, Stability & Safety Net

Which best reflects your broader financial security?

 

1. I have significant stability through assets, savings, or family support.

2. I have some financial cushion and long-term security.

3. I have modest stability but limited backup.

4. I have little financial cushion or support.

5. I have little or no safety net.

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Access, Opportunity & Barriers

Reflect on how opportunity and life circumstances have shaped your access to resources. ​How have education and career opportunity, family wealth or support, caregiving responsibilities, and the ways identity or systemic barriers impacted your financial access and how have these realities shaped what generosity looks like for you? 

Fair Share Guidance

​As our tradition teaches, tzedakah is not only charity but justice — each of us helping sustain the community we share. 

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• Mostly 1s, Tier 1: $3,600 annually | $300 monthly

• Mostly 2s, Tier 2: $2,700–$3,600 annually | $225-$300 monthly

• Mostly 3s, Tier 3 $2,250–$2,700 annually | $187–$225 monthly

• Mostly 4s, Tier 4: $1,350–$2,250 annually | $112–$188 monthly

• Mostly 5, Tier 5: $120–$1,350 annually | $10–$112 monthly
   

Note: If you are able, please consider a household pledge of at least $2,580/year or $215/month. 

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As you review the suggestions above, and make your membership commitment, consider:

• What does tzedakah ask of me this year?

• What contribution reflects both generosity and sustainability?

• If I have the means, how might I help strengthen access for others?

• If my circumstances are tighter, what commitment feels honest and dignified?