Dear Friends,
As 2021 comes to an end, with all it’s trials and triumphs, I feel great pride for and the deepest of gratitude in our thriving community. I am grateful for each and every person in our community and all the ways we have connected and supported one another during this challenging year. I am incredibly inspired by you — by our TBZ.
I am reaching out to ask you to consider TBZ in your end-of-year donations. If you have already given to TBZ this year, I thank you for your support and if you are able, I invite you to give one more time. If you have not yet given to TBZ this year, please consider doing so.
TBZ is thriving and we are growing. In order to sustain our community, we need to begin 2022 strong! Your gift helps us meet the challenges ahead.
Here are a few things I want you to know:
- In the last year TBZ’s membership increased by 10%. This growth shows that TBZ is responding to the needs of the time and that people are looking for a meaningful and intentional community. Every week we receive inquiries from households interested in learning more about our community. TBZ prides itself on not denying membership to anyone due to financial considerations. This has always been one of our most important values and we pledge to continue this.
- Meeting for services in person on Shabbat has been a highlight for me in 2021. I missed being in person with the community and I am so glad we are able to do so safely following our Covid Protocols. I have been especially inspired to be able to celebrate our B-Mitzvah students’ simchas – their joyful celebrations in community. I am so glad that we can offer all our shabbat services and other programs virtually so all those who wish so can participate.
- Our Hesed committee and leadership works tirelessly to support our members with any needs that arise, from helping members with shopping and rides to doctor's appointments, to arranging meal trains and giving support to mourners. This is what makes our community such a holy and inspiring one.
- Our Beit Rabban program is growing too. Beit Rabban is now meeting weekly in person. Having children safely in the building is so joyful. I enjoy being here on Wednesdays and hearing the children sing and jump and learn and simply be together.
- Our adult learning program also is booming. Every day there is something for you, classes, meditations, groups that meet. It is so busy around here.
- We are in the midst of a Strategic Planning process and we hope to share our vision soon. We are excited to dream for what’s next for our community.
- And we never stop working for a just world. Our commitment to healing this world, in small and big ways is at the heart of who we are, from our DEI and Racial Justice initiative and affordable housing to our literacy program and volunteer opportunities. As we come together in community in prayer and celebrations we remind ourselves always that we have a commitment to the world and to act.
We are all ending 2021 a bit frazzled with the onset of the Omicron variant. It reminds us of the fears and anxieties we shared over a year ago at the start of the pandemic. We don’t know what will happen over the next few months but we know one thing for sure, TBZ will be there for you.
We will continue to do all that is in our capacity to strengthen and support our community, and we can do this only if we have the financial resources to do so. Please help us end 2021 strong and start 2022 ready to respond to the ever-changing needs of our community during these unpredictable times.
Whether you are a member at TBZ or a friend of TBZ; whether you join us every week in person or virtually or you join us only for Shabbat Nariya; whether you read my Shabbat N’kabla or you simply enjoy TBZ’s many offerings, please know that your support is essential to all that we do.
Whether it is $18, $180, $1800 or more, your support means a lot to me and to us. If TBZ has inspired you in any — or all — of these ways, please give.
