Our experience with computer software is long and extensive. We bought a computer package, fully integrated with the accounting module back in the 1980's. It served us very well, until our vendor updated it with a Windows based package that is, our computer chair feels, state of the art. We have a fully integrated package, with full member database functionality, including automatic yarzheit notices, accounting, cemetery management, web tools, and now an events reservation and execution module.

It has been our experience that only a fully integrated system provides the seamless flow of information that Synagogues need to adequately serve their membership in the 21st century.

We know of another Synagogue in Toronto that bought an American based product that promised but did not deliver support and after spending tens of thousands of dollars are ready to junk it. It is not integrated and the audit trail between the database and accounting is a nightmare. Neither Chaverware or Rakefet provide the full functionality that modern not for profits require, whether it be for IRS purposes or Canada Revenue Agency purposes.

Whatever software you want to consider, it only makes sense that you get what you pay for. A modest investment in the appropriate software now pays dividends down the road.

We are the first Synagogue to use our current software, appropriately named "Moses". Although it is costly, we are getting everything and more than we asked for. A caveat to those who wish to be frugal when it is comes to Synagogue software. Cheap is not necessarily the best solution.

Sheldon Serota
Chairman of the Board
Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue
Toronto, Canada  1300+ Families