Kramer's Remarks

Temple Beth El needs money. I know what you’re saying. “What a surprise.” What’s new?” Who doesn’t?” While it’s true that we always seem to be asking for funds for some reason or another, you should understand that that is the nature of a non-profit organization. We don’t have a profit sharing plan for our employees for one simple reason. We don’t make any money. 

Our goal is to break even. We spend one million three hundred thousand dollars a year and if we’re lucky we raise one million three hundred thousand dollars a year. Sometimes, when the moon is in the seventh sun and Jupiter aligns with Mars, we get lucky. Most times we come up a little short. There are lots of reasons for this. 

Members make pledges but move away. Members make pledges based on the number of shares they own of Intel or Red Hat and the value of those shares goes down. Sometimes we meet our income goals but our expenses go up. This year we had a little of everything go wrong. The stock market went down and our expenses went up. There’s a stucco problem in the Chapel and the stained glass window is in danger of falling in. The compressor on the air conditioner broke and water is leaking in the Temple from some mysterious place. The building is almost ten years old and this is to be expected. And, so, Temple Beth El needs money.

 As you know, the Board of Directors recently voted for a $50.00 assessment per member unit to pay for the immediate needs. For those of you that have made your payment, thank you. For those of you that haven’t please remember this was an assessment, not a fundraiser. We need to raise money for future capital improvements. Here’s the deal. 

There are three hundred seats in the Blumenthal Sanctuary. About one hundred of them have plaques on the back of them honoring someone. We’d like to sell plaques for the remaining two hundred. On page 10 of the Voice you will see a diagram and order form. The donation is $500. Just think, you can honor someone, make a donation to your Temple, and give people something to read during the Rabbi’s sermon all at the same time.

What a concept! What a great idea! Coincidentally, I’ve put some additional clues to this month’s puzzle on the same page. In fact, I’ll throw in six free bagels to those of you who send in $500 even if you can’t guess the answers to the puzzle. It just doesn’t get any better than that. Remember, it’s your Temple. 

There are lots of ways to make a donation. We have needs for immediate cash and also long term security. Some of our congregants have remembered Temple Beth El in their will. Please call me and I’ll be happy to assist you in determining the best way you can help your Temple. 

Speaking of puzzles, we had several winners to last month’s puzzle, which was to find the hidden Afikomen. Debra Ferry, Sandy Middelton, Harvey Katowitz, Joan Makely and Amy Abramowitz. This month’s puzzle deals with animals. Each answer uses words and phrases from animal names. The first five correct answers will receive six free bagels. 1. Used in time of war. 2. Brings good luck. 3. A method of warfare. 4. Hairstyle. 5. What a surprise. For additional clues, see page 10 and complete the contest while you are filling out your seat back form. 

Arthur B. Kramer

EXTRA clues!!!!!
1. A GI’s ground home.
2. Lucky charm.
3. Jungle tactics.
4. Fun to dip in inkwells.
5. That makes me a…