FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions about Membership

Q: What are some of the benefits of joining Kolot Mayim?

A: Kolot Mayim is our place (our home) to gather, to pray, to study, and to learn. It is here to serve us today because of the people, over the past 20-odd years, who created and sustained the congregation and built our Reform community on Vancouver Island. Your annual affiliation, fees, tuition, and donations sustain our congregation, and together we can give future generations the gift of Kolot Mayim.

Your membership fee will help to sustain and continue to build our kehillah, our congregation.

  • Support for all life cycle events, i.e. weddings, Brit Milah and baby naming ceremonies, Bar/Bat Mitzvah training, and end-of-life support.
  • Hebrew lessons with either our partner school, Aleph Bet Montessori Hebrew School, or knowledgeable fellow congregants.
  • Jewish Movie Nights, Roving Shabbat Dinners, holiday, and special event gatherings.
  • Adult education classes and lecture series.
  • Every year we hold a Passover Community Seder.
  • Tickets to all our High Holy Day services including both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
  • Attention and assistance from our Care and Concern Committee.
  • Interfaith Couples’ Group activities.
  • Voting Rights at meetings.
  • Community volunteer opportunities.
  • Opportunities to serve on committees and/or our Board of Directors.

 

Q: I’m not very ‘religious. What does your Temple offer me other than services?

A: Many people no longer consider themselves particularly ‘religious’ but they still enjoy opportunities to be in a Jewish setting, to learn about and participate in Jewish culture, food, history and music. People also join Kolot Mayim to ensure that the option of Reform is available to Jews in Victoria.

 

Q: What are the different membership options?
A: Most of the membership options haven’t changed since last year. However, we have created new membership options to better serve you.

  • Adult Membership First Year $350

This category is for new members who have not previously been a part of Kolot Mayim.

  • Adult Membership Third and Subsequent Years $700

This is the full adult membership rate. 

  • Associate / Out of Town Membership $300

This category is for individuals who belong to another URJ Union of Reform Judaism temple / congregation, or who live outside of Greater Victoria.

  • Full-time Post-Secondary Student Membership $72

For full time post-secondary students only, you must show your student ID to the Membership Chair.

Recently Added Membership Options:

Friends of the Congregation $150
This is an entry point for members of the broader community who wish to support Kolot Mayim. It does not include the benefits of full membership. Friends of the congregation are non-voting, cannot serve on committees or the board and High Holy Day tickets are NOT included.

 

Q: Is there a category for couples or families with children?
A: The rate for new couples and new families with two parents is the same as two new adult memberships. The rate for new single parent families is the same as a new adult membership. There is no membership fee for children under 18.

 

Q: Why are the fees structured as they are?
A: Our membership fees follow a graduated fee structure and cover a full year of membership.

 

Q: How do I pay?
A: For your convenience you can pay your membership fees in 4 equal installments via post-dated cheques. Payments for membership dues can be processed online through the payments/donation page using PayPal or by Credit Card; or you can mail a cheque to Kolot Mayim Reform Temple 3636 Shelbourne St. Victoria BC., Canada V8P 4H2.

Cheques should be made payable to Kolot Mayim Reform Temple. If you are paying in installments, post-date your cheques for Sept.3, 2020, Dec.2, 2020, Feb. 3, 2021 and April 1, 2021.

 

Q: Why is there an up charge for paying membership fees in instalments?
A: We incur costs for cheque processing so dealing with 2 or 3 payments costs more than handling just 1 payment.

For further instructions, please refer to your membership form.

 

Q: Is paying online easier?
A: Paying online can be convenient, but please be mindful that there is an additional 3% processing fee which you need to add manually to your total when paying membership fees and High Holy Day tickets online. We are currently working with our technical team to update our online payment system; your patience and cooperation is greatly appreciated!

Q: Our family is going through some challenges and I’m not sure we can afford this. Can we still join Kolot Mayim?
A: No one is turned away for financial reasons; if you need assistance please contact Morris Bleviss, our Treasurer, at mbleviss1@gmail.com  or 250-386-5005 for a confidential discussion.

 

Q: How do I sign up?
A: Download the membership form; email the completed form as an attachment to Sharon Shalinsky at sgillean.victoria@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can print the downloadable form and mail the completed form with your post-dated cheques to Kolot Mayim Reform Temple 3636 Shelbourne St. Victoria BC., Canada V8P-4H2. Every new membership application goes through our Board of Directors for approval; you may be contacted if they need more information. Once you are approved, and your payment is processed, we will mail you a membership card at the address you provide.

Thank you for choosing Kolot Mayim – we are very pleased to welcome you!