If a nonprofit membership program only provides benefits of negligible value, the dues likely will be tax deductible. Negligible value includes free or low-cost content and perks, such as receiving a members-only newsletter or getting a free t-shirt in the mail every year.
However, if you’re a member of an admissions-based nonprofit organization like a museum, it's not tax deductible because you are being provided a service, as well as reduced fees and other perks. In general, if the nonprofit provides services of value as part of the membership program, your dues will not be tax deductible.
I think people who are unfamiliar with the structure of synagogue membership are getting caught up in the name. This isn't a membership to a museum. This is a suggested donation to a religious institution. As such, it should be entirely tax deductible. It's no different than a tithe to a church.
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