By David Kasakove
The rabbis had a gift for cutting to the heart of
things: "Im Ain Kemech, Ain Torah" ("If there is no flour, then there is no
Torah"). Without community support, Judaism cannot live, and our
congregation cannot thrive.
Congregation Beth Elohim is a sacred space where we can
join together to celebrate, share our joys and sorrows, and search for meaning
in our lives. Last year we demonstrated considerable movement in positive
directions—membership is up, critical needs of our facilities are being
addressed, and our religious programming and educational offerings have been
expanded and enriched.
But we need your ongoing support to keep our momentum
moving forward. This year, our congregation faces particular
challenges. In uncertain economic times, with spiraling energy costs, we
need to both strengthen our services to our congregants and community, and also
ensure that the renovation of our Temple House continues apace. How can
we accomplish our goals? Rabbinic wisdom provides guidance: "If you
should happen to be holding a sapling in your hand when they tell you the Messiah
has arrived, first plant the sapling and then go out to greet the
Messiah." Thus, as the New Year begins, it is time for each of us to
pledge to plant a sapling.
Recently you received a letter from me asking that
you make a generous pledge to the Congregation Beth Elohim Annual Fund Yom
Kippur appeal. So much of our efforts depend upon the success
of the Annual Fund. As we seek financing and support from banks and
foundations to renovate our buildings and improve our programming, it is
essential that we demonstrate our membership's commitment to our congregation
by achieving 100% participation from all our members. The first step in
achieving this goal was for your leadership to lead by example, and I am
pleased to report that we expect 100% participation from the board, with many
of the pledges exceeding last year's, and, as a group, the executive committee
has pledged nearly 40% more than last year.
The great rabbinic sage, Hillel the Elder, put it
well: "If not now, when?" When you receive my
letter asking to make your pledge to the Annual Fund, I hope you
will feel moved to generously support our community and help us reach
our goal of 100% member participation. If you haven't already done
so, please fill out and return the pledge form today.
As in the past, we will honor all those who contribute
to our congregation in a booklet. In keeping with our plans to
re-organize our fundraising efforts to recognize giving throughout the year,
this booklet will be expanded to include all giving throughout the year, and
will be a celebration of our annual programming successes, to be published
at the end of our 2008-2009 program year.
Thank you again for your continued and ongoing support
of our beloved congregation.
May you be inscribed in the Book of Life for a year
of sweetness and blessing.
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