Kramer's Remarks

“Different Ways”

I always have trouble spelling commitment. I forget, is it two m’s and one t, or two m’s not counting the third one. But, even though I can’t spell it, commitment is something you recognize when you see it.

This past month at Temple Beth El there were countless examples of commitment. You knew it when you saw Sid Cojac in the office everyday planning the Cinco de Mayo celebration. It was obvious when you walked past the gift shop and saw the smiling faces of Ginny Rosenberg, Sue Klein and all the other volunteers, working so hard to benefit the children of Temple Beth El.

Nearly every week night you observed commitment when you peered into the board rooms at the various committees working on volunteer opportunities to help the community. And, of course, on Mitzvah Day, the efforts of Stuart Myerson and all his volunteers from the Social Action Committee were evident in the faces of the nearly five hundred people who participated. I am happy to say that commitment is alive and well at Temple Beth El. 

Last month, I told you about opportunities for financial commitment to your temple. Your response was phenomenal. Not only did we sell seven plaques for the seats in the sanctuary but others called to offer different solutions to our financial challenges. As seen on this page an exciting challenge grant has been proposed by an anonymous member of the temple. In an effort to erase our deficit the donor has offered to donate one dollar for every two dollars we raise up to $90,000. Wow! Now that’s commitment. 

I also met with a member of Temple Beth El who has pledged a substantial sum from his estate to our endowment fund. I received notes from members along with their payment of the $50.00 assessment indicating they would offer their expertise in repairing some of our construction problems. We are definitely making progress towards our goals. 

Right now the progress is slow. But slow is good. I am asking all of you to rethink your commitment to Temple Beth El. Of course, we need your financial support. You will be receiving your renewal commitment forms soon and I hope that you will be as generous as you can. We want to continue to offer quality reform Jewish programming and you are essential to our success. In addition to money, please follow the examples of Sid, Ginny, Sue, Stuart and all the other volunteers and give of yourself. We need your help so that we can be a strong community. 

I hope you all have a very enjoyable summer. Stop by and see us. Don’t forget services on Friday night are at 6:00 p.m. except the first Friday when there will be two services; one at 6:00 p.m and another at 8:00 p.m.. Services on Saturday morning will still be at eleven.

The winner of last month’s puzzle was Harvey Katowitz. Here are the answers. 
1. Used in time of war - Fox Hole
2. Brings good luck - Rabbit’s foot
3. A method of warfare - Gorilla warfare
4. Hairstyle - Pony Tale
5. What a surprise - I’ll be a monkey’s uncle

This months quiz - Name ten parts of the body that have three letters in it.

Arthur B. Kramer