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Beth Torah – Ralph and Gloria Harary A”H Sanctuary
Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL INFORMATION
Q: What is a Lifetime Seat?
A: A one-time seat purchase in the Ralph and Gloria Harary A”H Sanctuary, providing a
permanent seat for a named family member. Men’s seats are for year-round use; ladies’
seats are for High Holiday use only.
Q: Who is eligible to purchase a Lifetime Seat?
A: Only members in good standing of Congregation Beth Torah. Members must be current on all dues and balances.
Q: Can non-members apply?
A: No. Only current members in good standing may enroll or maintain Lifetime Seats.
SEAT REQUEST PROCESS
Q: When is the enrollment period?
A: Begins: Thursday, May 16 at 9:00 AM
Ends: Sunday, June 30 at 11:59 PM
Q: How many seats can I request?
A: During open enrollment, each member may request up to 2 men’s seats and 2 ladies’
seats.
Q: Can I request additional seats?
A: Yes. You may indicate interest in additional seats by submitting a deposit. If available, these will be fulfilled after the open enrollment period.
Q: Is the process first-come, first-served?
A: No. All requests during the open enrollment period are treated equally and are NOT
prioritized by time of submission.
Q: What if demand exceeds availability?
A: If the number of requests exceeds availability, priority will be given to members who do not currently own a lifetime seat in any sanctuary under their own name.
Q: Can I choose where I sit in the sanctuary?
A: No. Seat locations are not selected by members. Household seats will be grouped together, and the synagogue will do its best to seat extended family members nearby, based on availability.
Q: Can ladies’ seats be used weekly?
A: No. Ladies’ seats are only for the High Holidays.
PAYMENT
Q: What are the seat prices?
A: Men’s Standard: $12,500
Men’s Aisle/Front Rows: $18,000
Ladies’ Standard: $12,500
Ladies’ Aisle/Front Row: $18,000
Q: What deposit is required?
A: $1,000 per seat, non-refundable once a seat is issued.
Q: What are the payment options?
A: Pay in full or use the 3-year plan:
- 1/3 due by July 30, 2025
- 1/3 due in June 2026
- 1/3 due in June 2027
Additional seats must be paid in full. Extended terms must be pre-approved.
Q: Are Lifetime Seats refundable?
A: No. All seat sales are final—no refunds, returns, or credits, whether partially paid or paid in full.
SEAT HOLDER RULES
Q: Who can a seat be assigned to?
A: Seats must be assigned to a named member of your household. Married children or
individuals over 25 must be members in their own right.
Q: Can I transfer my Lifetime Seat?
A: No. Lifetime Seats are non-transferable and may not be sold, gifted, or reassigned.
Q: What happens if I stop being a member?
A: The seat is returned to Beth Torah and offered for resale.
Q: What if I want to relinquish a seat in another sanctuary?
A: A credit may be issued toward a seat in another sanctuary, but this credit policy is only effective during the open enrollment period:
- Bailey Main Sanctuary: lesser of $4,000 or 50% of original price paid
- Stein Sanctuary: lesser of $3,000 or 50% of original price paid
Q: Are there any other conditions I should know?
A: All seats are subject to the synagogue’s bylaws. Any dispute will be resolved at the sole discretion of the Executive Committee.
RABBINIC LEADERSHIP
Q: Will a specific rabbi be assigned to the Ralph and Gloria Harary A”H Sanctuary?
A: No. Rabbinic assignments are not fixed and may change based on the needs of the
congregation.
Q: Why is rabbinic assignment not fixed?
A: The synagogue believes that the sanctity of prayer comes from community participation,
not from any one individual. Leadership will be assigned based on what best serves the
entire congregation.
NEED HELP?
Visit www.Beth-Torah.com to view the full Lifetime Seat Policy and to access the Lifetime Seat Sales Form required to enroll for a seat.
Email: SeatSales@Beth-Torah.com
Phone: (718) 252-9840
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