March 2009
by Gary Lerman

Recently, I had a discussion with some Temple members about the apparent reasons why congregants keep their distance from Temple activities and programs. The discussion also touched on the decision process congregants go through after their youngest child has completed their B’nei Mitzvah requirements. While having these discussions I thought of this article which I wrote years ago when I was Treasurer and considered the notion of reprinting the piece and adding a comment at the end. I find this just as relevant today as it was back then.

Original Article
We all carefully consider our priorities and the principles by which we choose to live our lives. I will make an assumption that each of us who have joined Temple Beth Elohim share certain similar priorities which would include (but not be limited to) leading a Jewish life and educating our children to do the same. I must admit that I had considered this to be a job well done once I joined a Temple, and I registered my daughter for Religious School. After all, paying dues and school registration fees was my responsibility, and I was a great success. I certainly couldn’t be expected to give anymore than that due to my busy schedule, being so tired on Friday nights and the many other reasons we all seem to stockpile. After all, I was being responsible to my family and our well-thought-out priorities.

It was not until my daughter was approaching her Bat Mitzvah year and the Rabbi scheduled group meetings with other B’nei Mitzvah parents that I began to feel a bit more comfortable in the Temple. I began attending Friday night services regularly and ultimately began meeting and establishing relationships with other members. I began getting involved!

We all have the best intentions in mind when we plan our lives and expect that we have thought through all the options available. But sometimes we have to experience certain things to be able to understand what is important and enriching in our lives. Since my daughter's Bat Mitzvah, I have become more involved in our Temple, which has enabled me to feel like I am a part of a greater purpose. More important is the fact that I feel good about being involved and that I truly believe that I am receiving far more than I could ever give. I am also aware that my involvement has been a valuable lesson to my daughter and that is one lesson, which can only be taught by deeds.

My small contributions and ongoing involvement continue to be fulfilling experiences, which I hope through this brief statement, I have been able to convey to you, my Temple family. Maybe you can find it in yourself to attend Friday services more frequently, join a Committee or possibly consider a Board position. I expect this would be a choice you too will find enriching and fulfilling.
End of original article

There are many arguments to be made with regard to the benefits one receives by remaining part of this special organization. Over these many years since my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah in 1997, I have heard countless others indicate their reasons, and I have never been surprised by anything I have heard. While most of the specific reasons might differ from mine, the underlying concept seems to always originate from the same emotional faith-based needs of the Jewish people. The strength of our faith remains within our Jewish community and to be closely affiliated with that community is a powerful bond that enables us to enjoy the precious gifts of Adonai; to share in the great joys and the enormous burdens that may come our way; to have the support and understanding of all who have in common the moral values of our shared faith; to ensure our family carries this faith from generation to generation, to name a few. Temple Beth Elohim and the spiritual leadership of Rabbi Acrish continues to meet the faith-based needs of my entire family, and the Temple Family that we have come to know has also become a very important part of the social lives we lead. We are truly blessed!

B'Shalom,
Gary

February 2009
by Gary Lerman

Recently we have witnessed and perhaps some of us have directly experienced an event that may arguably have the most detrimental long term financial effect on charitable organizations, most notably Jewish organizations, in history. The Madoff Ponzi scheme has been perpetrated directly on many charities throughout the world including many Jewish charities in the United States and Israel. Indeed that direct hit to endowment, capital and even operating funds will change the direction and abilities of those affected organizations that are fortunate enough to survive this tragedy. Further, Madoff's victims include very prominent philanthropists, many of whom will not be able to offer their significant financial support to the Jewish causes they had so generously supported in the past and ensuring that those charities that do survive will need to make considerable concessions to their efforts.

The current state of the global economy and the related reduction of jobs and investment portfolio values have also created a significant hurdle for all charities to overcome. It is anticipated that this will severely affect the ability of charities to raise needed funds to support their causes. Many of these organizations are expected to fail at the expense of the individuals, groups or causes that rely on that support. We are witness to a time when many well intentioned and well supported charitable organizations will become so financially squeezed that they will not survive.

While there is a clear call for concern, I believe Temple Beth Elohim will find the solutions needed to get through these challenging times and flourish, continuing to offer our entire Temple family a vital Jewish presence in our corner of the world. To enable our Temple family a better understanding of the specific challenges we face, the actions that have been taken and the plans to be implemented to overcome those challenges, we will be setting up two live informational meetings to be held on Sunday mornings, during school hours. This will allow for an open discussion between those attending and many of the individuals who are directly involved in the process of finding solutions.

On another more carefree topic, it has been a long time (by TBE standards) since we had a nice social event that was well attended. You will be receiving an invitation to the March 14 "Spring Fling", an evening that features the wonderful live music performed by Tony T's Orchestra and unique hors d'oeuvers and pastries created and served by Jean Jacques Culinary Creations. This event will also include beer, wine and soda and has been priced to enable our members an inexpensive opportunity to enjoy a social night in our beautiful Vista on the Hill. We are hoping to arrange for free babysitting as well. Please take advantage of the lower price and sign up early. Let's enjoy this unique opportunity together!

B'Shalom,
Gary

October 2008
by Gary Lerman

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to welcome all of our congregants, our Temple family, and the many guests who have joined us for these High Holy Day services. To our new members and prospective members, I hope you feel at home and I would like to welcome you into our family. And on behalf of all of us attending these services, I would like to thank Rabbi Acrish for his always inspirational leadership and Robin, Richard, Rollo and the entire choir for the memorable and moving music that delights the senses and enhances the beauty of these services. This High Holy Day choir has been regularly attending rehearsals throughout the summer and I thank them, not only for the beautiful music we appreciate, but for all for their hard work and commitment. I must also offer my appreciation and commend Nan Coulter and Roberta Mandel on their remarkable ability to address our seemingly countless administrative issues and coordinate the many activities and events that occur in and around our facility.

At this time I would prefer to publicly recognize the many individual volunteers who have given of themselves in service to this organization during this past year. However, to remain brief and to avoid any possible omission, I instead offer my humble praise for their commitment and my appreciation for their many talents and capabilities. You know who you are and you should be proud of your many accomplishments. The entire Temple Beth Elohim family and the surrounding community enjoy the fruits or your labors and we all offer our continuing gratitude.

As a result of the efforts brought forth by our volunteers and staff, Temple Beth Elohim brings together our entire Temple family and the community with a dizzying array of activities. It is a testament to the tireless efforts of our valued employees and selfless, capable volunteers that we have such a full calendar of varied programs and events for all ages. While I always love to talk about the wonderful services, programs and events that are available for all to attend, I will resist that temptation and ask you to refer to the very busy current year calendar that was distributed last week. It contains, among other information, a pictorial of some of last year’s events and a tentative listing of events for a very active year to come. Many things that have not yet been scheduled will be added so I urge you to refer to your Menorah each month and check the Temple website for the latest version of the calendar.

Our weekly services are well attended as are our High Holy Day services and the interest in the Saturday Torah Study & Shabbat Service has been growing. Our children proudly and competently lead their very personal B’nei Mitzvah service and, more often that not, go on to confirmation class. This year we also have an adult confirmation class and hope there will be interest in an Adult Hebrew class and we expect participation in a monthly Torah Tots program.

As Myra discussed last week, our devoted teachers and aides work hard to educate our precious children to teach them, among other curriculum, about the very values and traditions we hold dear. The Greenberg Education Center offers classrooms conducive to learning and with the experienced leadership of Rabbi Acrish and the qualified guidance of our Deans, Larry Hepner and Joe Greenfield, our children are thriving in this environment. For additional educational material, the Gish Family Library offers many informative books available to children and adults alike.

Our affiliated groups, Sisterhood and Men’s Club are very active and offer many vibrant activities for their members and the entire congregation in addition to the many essential tasks they volunteer to perform. Our Junior and High School youth groups have planned a very active year and we continue to send holiday packages to our college students, wherever they may be, to keep them connected to their Jewish roots.

This represents just a brief summary of some of the many spiritual, educational and social programs and events at Temple Beth Elohim. There are other Committees that address concerns such as community assistance, publicity, building rental and many more that are listed in your High Holy Day brochure. If you have some time that you could devote or a specific interest or talent you can contribute perhaps you can enjoy the wonderful experience of working with others to achieve the gratification that you have performed a service of Tikkun Olam. If you have any interest whatsoever, please contact me directly to discuss how you might help us continue to achieve our goals as reflected in our mission and vision statements.

The process of placing permanent recognition plaques throughout the facility has begun. During the days and weeks following these High Holy Days, we will continue to meet our commitment to recognize each individual’s participation and fulfillment of previous capital and landscaping campaign pledges for those who, through a naming opportunity, have elected to dedicate, honor or memorialize a name for as long as this building stands.

A beautiful expandable donor recognition wall will also be prominently displayed in the lobby on the exterior wall of the Judaica shop and will honor all those individuals who participated in and fulfilled their previous capital campaign commitments. Every name listed on this donor recognition wall has been an integral part of the ultimate achievement, building this facility. Their financial commitment has put us in a position where we can, and will, continue our journey without the spatial limitations that adversely affected every aspect of our operations and limited our ability to serve our congregation and community. From the overcrowded school that kept us from accepting new members with school aged children to the cold impersonal feeling and logistical burden of having these High Holy Day services in a high school. From the inability to hold large social events to the lack of meeting space or the inability to offer our children classrooms with appropriate learning conditions. For these reasons and more, we needed this new facility and thanks to the financial commitment of so many of you, we have succeeded.

Unfortunately, we have not had the membership growth that was anticipated and, to date, we remain at the same membership level as we were two years ago. Further, while we are having some success generating revenue from the rental of this facility, it will take time to reach our potential. Therefore, we must take steps to ensure the future viability of Temple Beth Elohim and expand the promotion of our third and final capital campaign. To enable us to address the current debt obligation and building maintenance and to ensure that there is a minimal impact on our dues and tuition structure, we must ask our membership to consider participation in this campaign. This will help bridge the gap until we have increased both membership size and the rental revenue stream to a level that will support our entire burden. That said, letters will be sent within the next few weeks asking each member to consider their ability to participate in this crucial campaign. We are requesting a timely response so that the appropriate Committees and our Board of Directors have the information needed to plan ahead. This is of paramount importance and together, as we have done in the past, we will make certain, we must make certain, that Temple Beth Elohim will endure.

We must also consider other ways to assist in this critical cause. We must remain vigilant in our search to maximize a revenue stream and promote our very special and unique organization. To that end, we need to encourage those in need of classrooms or a social hall, for both Temple members and outsiders, social and business organizations to rent our facility. We need each of you to promote that notion wherever possible. We also ask you to reach out to prospective new members and invite them to join you at a Friday night service or any Temple event. It is also essential that we increase our usage of the store certificate program which effectively is a zero cost contribution to the purchaser with a percentage, typically 4%, to the Temple. To enhance the work being done by our store certificate, rental, membership and publicity committees we ask our Temple family to also reach out to your neighbors and co workers and consider how else you can help close the gap.

On Yom Kippur I feel peaceful personal fulfillment during this period of reflection. This becomes my time to consider where I fell short of my expectations. I consider how I may have offended other people and how I may be more considerate; was I a proper role model to my child and did I walk the walk; was I fair in my business dealings and have I committed myself to be the best I can be. Those are just a few of the many questions that I consider and find comfort sharing my most honest evaluation of myself with G-D. If at anytime, I have hurt or offended any of you, please know that it was certainly unintentional and I ask for your forgiveness.

This beautiful sanctuary is utilized mainly for religious services and life cycle events. It is a place where many find comfort and solace, joy and exultation, humility and tranquility, peace and hope. It is here we confess our sins and it is here we celebrate our Jewish values; it is here we share our joyous moments and it is here we find solace together in grief; it is here we embrace our Torah and it is here we pray for our world; it is here we join together bound by our common faith and it is here that we belong. As Rabbi Acrish reminds us always and as we pray at each service, we must acknowledge our thanks for the blessings we have received. I am blessed to belong to this organization and I am honored to serve along with so many other devoted individuals who have one common goal; to ensure the Jewish presence and vision of Temple Beth Elohim remains a strong presence in our wide ranging community and that we continue to adhere to our mission and I know that each of us, in our own way, will be involved in that task and, with all of us engaged, we will realize our common goal. This is where we belong! This is our home!

On behalf of Benay, Allison and myself, the Board of Directors and all the hardworking employees and volunteers of Temple Beth Elohim, I want to wish you all a happy, healthy, sweet and prosperous new year 5769.

L'Shanah Tovah
Gary Lerman