Welcome To Temple Beth El!

January/February 2019

As I reflect upon my first six months as TBE President, I want to report on a few updates and progress our staff and volunteers are making against many of the goals and objectives we set out to achieve this year.

  • First and foremost, I am very appreciative of the efforts our Construction and Design Committees, as well as the small, dedicated team of fundraisers have done to put us on a path to sanctuary renovation. I hope you share in my excitement for the new design that will undoubtedly foster a more intimate and comfortable space for us to gather for services and programming.
  • Enrollment at both Keshet and Limmud are up over last year, and our Education Committee continues to partner with both Mandi Warner and Jody Dietz to create robust learning experiences for our students and families.
  • We received 135 gifts to our High Holy Day appeal totaling $29,451 – 11 from non-members and 125 from members. Remember that there remains opportunity to give!
  • Our Ritual Committee is hard at work collaborating with both the Rabbi and Hazzan to review and fine-tune our Saturday morning Shabbat service, and to find more / new meaningful ways for congregants to participate.
  • We continue to leverage our relationship with USCJ to vision for the future through leadership development, strategic planning, and learning.
  • We met our initial and stretch goals for this year with 26 signed Life & Legacy commitments. Additional signatures will count towards next year’s goal.

There remains lots of opportunity for each and every one of our members to become more active. Please feel free to speak with me or anyone on the Board of Directors to get involved!

Remember that February is Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM). JDAIM is a call to action as we act in accordance with our Jewish values, honoring the gifts and strengths that each one of us possesses. Keep up with everything happening at TBE and in our community by visiting our website and the Community Calendar.

I look forward to building upon our momentum and sharing more as we make our way through the winter and spring. Stay safe and warm!

L’Shalom,

Marty Spokony