Shul Salaries


A market research company was surveying the income and fringe benefits
enjoyed by the clergy and religious officials (on a confidential basis)
and they came to the local large membership synagogue to interview the
Rabbi, the Chazen (cantor) and the Shammes (Beadle).

[I don't know what salary scales for Rabbis etc are like in the USA so you
may have to adjust my figures.]

They asked the Shammes about his remuneration package:

"Well, I've got an apartment on the side of the shul for which I pay no
rent. My telephone account is paid for by the shul. I earn $2000 a
month."

"Is that all?"

"That's all and I'm quite comfortable with it."

They asked the Rabbi:

"I get a free house with a swimming pool and a tennis court. I've got one
car for which the gasoline and maintenance is paid for by the
congregation. Free telephone and electricity account. The education of
my kids is paid for by the congregation and I'm also entitled to one free
overseas trip to Israel every two years. I get paid $7500 a month."

Then they asked the Chazen:

"I've got a free house with a swimming pool. The community pays for
maintenance and gasoline on my car and my wife's car. Free electricity,
water and telephone. Food is paid by the congregation. Kid's education
is paid for. One free overseas trip a year for my whole family. I'm paid
$12000 a month."

The market research person asks:

"But that's more than what the Rabbi earns?"

The Chazen responds : "There's no business like show business."