Danielle Ben-David’s Column July – August 2026 “One Year In… and Logging On”

One Year In… and Logging On

Danielle Ben-David

As we enter the month of Elul, Judaism encourages us to prepare before we arrive—to take
stock, reflect, and make room for what matters most. While filling out a ShulCloud form may not
be what the rabbis had in mind, the spirit is the same: thoughtful preparation allows us to enter
the season with greater intention and a little less distraction.

Last year, I stepped into this role just as we were gearing up for the busiest season on the
synagogue calendar: the High Holidays. There is no better crash course in synagogue
administration than trying to learn the ropes while simultaneously coordinating tickets, Yizkor
books, sponsorships, registrations, and everything in between. Needless to say, I learned
quickly—and with a great deal of support from many of you.

As we prepare for this year’s High Holidays, one of my goals is simple: take what we’ve learned
and make the process smoother for everyone.

To do that, I need your help.

This year, we’re asking our community to buy in… and log in.

For many years, High Holiday preparation has involved printing forms, letters, tickets, cards, and
return envelopes; assembling and stuffing hundreds of mailings; paying for postage; processing
mailed-in registrations and checks; and manually entering information back into our systems.
The cost in paper, printing, postage, and staff time creates a significant bottleneck during an
already busy season.

By shifting most of our registrations and payments to ShulCloud, we can streamline that
workflow and use our resources more efficiently—saving time, reducing waste, and lowering
expenses.

Through one simple High Holiday form, you’ll be able to:

● Make High Holiday donations
● Support Steve Stein’s Annual Appeal
● Sponsor the Break Fast, Flowers for the Bimah, and sign the New Year’s Card
● Register guests for High Holiday tickets
● Add children attending age-appropriate services and programming
● Submit your Yizkor Book entries
● Complete associated payments securely online toward your account balance

One form. One login. Much less paperwork.

One important caveat: please make sure you’re actually logged into your ShulCloud account
before completing the form. If you aren’t logged in, you won’t see all of the options available to
you, and any payments you make will not automatically post to your account. A few extra
seconds to confirm you’re signed in can save everyone time on the back end. (If you haven’t
accessed your ShulCloud account recently, you’ll find a Step-by-Step Login Guide included
with this bulletin to help you get started.)

Click here for a Step-by-Step Login Guide

Yizkor Book information will be sent via email whenever we have an email address on file. For
those who do not use email, we’ll continue to provide information through traditional mail. And
as always, if technology isn’t your favorite thing, we’re here to help. Stop by, call the office, or
send an email—we’re happy to answer questions, walk you through the process, or troubleshoot
along the way. You can expect the launch of this form by mid-July.

We know the first time we do anything new may come with a few bumps in the road. We
appreciate your patience and flexibility as we work through this transition together.

While we’re simplifying the logistics behind the scenes, we’re also preparing for the things that
matter most: meaningful holiday experiences, warm hospitality, and the security measures that
help ensure our congregation can gather safely and comfortably throughout the season.

Thank you for your partnership over this past year. Together, we can spend less time focusing
on paperwork and more time focusing on what the High Holidays invite us to do: reflect,
reconnect, and begin the new year with intention.

Now might also be a good time to make sure you remember your ShulCloud password.

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful summer.

Step-by-Step Login Guide:

How to Log In to Your ShulCloud Account

If you have never logged in before, or if it has been a while, don’t worry! Follow these simple
steps.

Step 1: Go to Our Website : https://bethelnorwalk.org/welcome/

Open your internet browser (such as Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Firefox) and go to the
Congregation Beth El website.

Step 2: Click “Log In”

Look for the Log In button, located in the upper right-hand corner of the website. Click on it.

Step 3: Enter Your Email Address and Password

Type in the email address associated with your Congregation Beth El account and your
password. If you are unsure which email you use, look for the last billing statement you received
via email. That’s the one to use!

Then click Log In.

Step 4: If You Forgot Your Password

Click the “Forgot Password?” link on the login screen.

Enter your email address and follow the instructions sent to your inbox to create a new
password.

Step 5: If You Don’t Remember Which Email Address You Used

Please contact Danielle or Hope in the synagogue office. They can send you a password reset
link and help you determine which email address is connected to your account.

Please note: For security reasons, the office cannot see your current password. If needed, we
can send you a link to reset it and create a new one.

High Holiday Registration and Donations:

This year, a High Holiday Registration and Donation link will be available on the
Congregation Beth El homepage and included in our email communications.

Once you are logged in to your ShulCloud account, simply click that link to take care of all of
your High Holiday needs in one place. Through the website, you will be able to:

● Register for High Holiday services and events
● Make High Holiday donations and tributes
● Complete any required information related to the season
● Submit payment securely online

Payments may be made by credit card, Venmo, or check, depending on your preference.