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As I write this column, in early April, we
are in the midst of completing a most challenging budget process for
2002-2003, and preparing hopefully to hire a new graduate from Hebrew
Union College as our new Assistant Rabbi.
Temple Beth El means many different things to many different people.
The tremendous range and depth of activities we offer continually delights
and affirms for me both the strength of Reform Judaism and what a special
place this is for our diverse group of 1050 families choosing to make this
their faith home. A few examples from the enormous myriad of programs and
experiences over the past two years include:
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42 students became Anshei Mitzvah in
March, 2002; this is a record number of adults making this dedicated
effort in our congregation and nationally as well.
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The increasingly popular Sheva
Program for 7th grade students becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
Turning what seemed to be a terrible negative, the vandalism of our
building and other properties in Shalom Park, into a positive with the
Wall of Peace, which received national recognition. (See it in this
month’s issue of Reform Judaism magazine).
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Raising over $18,000 in two days in
response to the September 11th attacks for distribution to the
victims and their families.
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The tremendously successful Caring
Committee that now includes over 150 willing volunteers who offer
support and assistance to families experiencing grief and loss or
difficulties with health.
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Growing enrollment in our Religious
Schools: over 500 in the Kindergarten-Grade 7 Religious School,
close to 100 of our children in the Joint Preschool and 115 of our
students in the Consolidated Hebrew High School and 50 regularly
attending Tot Shabbat.
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Our fantastic youth group, with
its boundless enthusiasm and energy.
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Many Fun Fundraisers including:
Laugh ‘Til you Plotz, the Sisterhood Art Auction, the Brotherhood Casino
Night and the upcoming congregational Derby Dance.
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Exciting music programs, with
increasing membership in our choirs for all ages.
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The Challenge Grant to reduce our
long term accumulated debt, (made possible by the generous donation
by a member who chooses to remain anonymous) to which our congregation
has enthusiastically responded.
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Fantastic participation in our Annual
Mitzvah Day, on April 28th this year, with an expected 700+
volunteers serving the Charlotte community.
This is but a tiny sampling of the
activities that occur each and every day. Come by the Temple any day, any
time; I guarantee you will see more in that moment than I have begun to
describe here.
Our dedicated, incredibly hard working team of professionals: Rabbi
Bennett, Cantor Bernard, Rabbi Schindler, and our Executive Director
Arthur Kramer guide these activities, programs, inspiring religious
services and more, while also offering thoughtful wisdom, support and
caring at family life cycle events and in pastoral counseling at crucial
moments in our lives. Each is recognized not only locally, but nationally
as well, for their leadership, vision, skill and creativity. Rabbi Bennett
and Cantor Bernard both reaffirmed last year their excitement about Reform
Judaism in Charlotte by renewing their contracts for three and four years
respectively.
We are blessed to have a tremendous group of enthusiastic, committed
volunteers involved with every aspect of our Temple life. Without each and
every one of them, we could not accomplish the things we attempt every
day. To continue our work...
We need YOU: your involvement, your participation, and your financial
support. May is the month designated for renewal of our annual
financial commitments for our membership. These pledges comprise 70% of
our income for the coming year. Costs everywhere are rising. Although we
try to be as cost conscious and economical as possible, expenses at Temple
Beth El continue to rise as well. It is vital that each of us demonstrates
our commitment to Temple Beth El by increasing our annual financial
commitment pledge. Your increased pledge will make it possible to continue
the incredible efforts our staff and volunteers make on a daily basis. To
continue what Temple Beth El offers to each of our families at this level,
your increased pledge is essential.
Please be generous as you complete the renewal commitment forms and please
send them in by June 15th, to ensure our budget for the coming year is
both achievable and realistic. Please do not wait until the High Holy Days
to make this commitment; the Board of Directors needs to know that you are
a positive part of the equation in May!
On a personal note, it has been an honor to serve this congregation as
President over the past two years. It is my hope that as I complete this
term, Temple Beth El is a little more financially stable and successful in
meeting the needs of our member families and that it will continue to grow
and flourish for generations to come. Thank you for the opportunity to be
of service. As always, please call me with any questions, comments,
suggestions or complaints at 704/759-0012 (home), 704/945-7116 (office) or
email:
barbarakatz@mindspring.com
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President's Message