Hard Times – Yes…..Impossible…..NO!

These are, at best, difficult times for us all. However, this is also the time when we should all come together and support each other. In doing this we support our Temple as well. To this end Temple Beth Hillel is establishing a networking system. You will be hearing more about this in the months to come.

We are also creating a Chai Membership category. In Chai Membership those who are able can give 80% above their regular dues in order to assist those members who are struggling to meet their financial commitment to the Temple. I appeal to all of you who might be struggling in these difficult economic times, Please, talk to us. Let us help you. This is what our Temple community is all about. No one can do it all by themselves.

I urge each and every one of you to do what you can for your Temple Beth Hillel family. We don’t want to see anyone leave the Temple because of financial hardship. We will work with you confidentially, with caring and sensitivity. I am no different than you. Yes, at 72 years of age, I retired thinking that my investments would provide my retirement income….you guessed it, now I am looking for a job to make up for the losses.

As for the state of our Temple finances, your Board of Directors and myself are working to find additional monies to bring down the Temple debt. We have made progress, but more money is needed. Our goal is to have a balanced budget and eliminate our debt. Just as we all work to have a sound credit rating, we want our Temple credit rating to be solid and sound as well.

We are looking to establish sources of ongoing revenue for the Temple. As successful as our fundraising efforts have been this year, they do not provide the continuous source of income that we need. The establishment of Bingo is a start to creating a source of continuing income. The use of our building for rental space, for perhaps a nursery school or other uses is another avenue we are exploring. Finally, increasing our membership is a key element in making Temple Beth Hillel and all its educational, spiritual and cultural programs self-sustaining.

Your Temple leadership is working hard to get us through these challenging times. Join us in that effort. Together we can make our 50th anniversary a real celebration!

Stanley J. Goldberg, President
Temple Beth Hillel Board of Directors