Temple Sinai Status Update #1
This is the first of a regular series of reports on where Temple Sinai stands and where we are going.
To the Congregation,

As we move through this strange and unsettling time, the Temple Sinai leadership and staff continue to think about ways to bind and nurture our community. Seven months since we suspended most on-site programs and shifted to on-line modes of engagement, we know there are many more months ahead of this new way of operating. It is very important to all of us that we stay in touch and keep our community informed of what’s happening at the temple, how we are responding to changing circumstances, and how the pandemic is impacting all areas of temple life.
Supporting our Members during COVID
We know this is a difficult time for everyone. We are each dealing with social, emotional and financial challenges that go along with a socially distanced lifestyle during COVID. Our clergy are here for you. Here’s how we can help: 

  1. Pastoral Support: If you are in need of pastoral support, just let one of the clergy know and we will set up a call or Zoom meeting. You can also contact Michelle Becker in the office to coordinate an appointment. 
  2. Member-to-Member Help: Our SinaiCares staff and volunteers can provide support via phone or Zoom. Volunteers may also be able to consult on using Zoom and drop off necessities. Contact Karen Auerbach if you or someone you know needs support or if you would like to volunteer for SinaiCares.

Judaism can be your way in to make new friends and engage in our vibrant community. Check out the full list and who you can contact to learn more here. 
Navigating the Financial Environment
Like many others across the country, our congregation continues to face financial challenges due to the impact of COVID. Earlier this year, we approved a temporary budget or, continuing budget resolution, due to the uncertainty that COVID created. Fortunately, the financial plan we have adopted has largely been consistent with our experience so far this year. 

In anticipation of the situation, our congregation took several steps including reducing operational expenses and refraining from filling vacant positions. We also have benefited from the generosity of our members who have supported the Virtual High Holy Days platform, and have provided other gifts. Indeed, thanks to our committee leaders, clergy, school directors and staff, we are faring better than many other congregations. But, as expected, we are seeing a dip in membership commitment payments, which are a principal source of revenue.  

In order for the temple to be able to maintain our high level of service in the months ahead and to come out of the COVID era in a position of strength, we ask each of you to make sure that you have paid your member commitment. We understand if you have not already paid it in full and you can only pay part of it now and part of it later. If you have been financially impacted by COVID and need to discuss financial relief this year, please contact Karen Auerbach or Ellen Agler. 

If you have already fulfilled your commitment and are in a position to do more, we urge you to consider making an additional gift to the Annual Fund. Every dollar is needed. For more detailed information about temple membership trends, please see this recent report from our October board meeting.
Considering Ways to Reopen
Our COVID-19 Advisory Group is working closely with the Board of Trustees to contemplate when and how to reopen in a safe and appropriate manner. As you might imagine, this is an ongoing conversation. Our advisory group, which is comprised of key staff and members with medical and public health expertise, is monitoring the data and the science, ensuring we all appreciate the risks that come with a gradual transition away from an all-virtual experience. Our goal is to balance health and safety with meeting the needs of our congregants. 
Facts & Figures
Membership (by household):
Total Membership
5-year average: 1,196
October 2020: 1,179

New Members from May-October
5-year average: 55
2020: 18

Resigned Members from May-October (all reasons)
5-year average: 29
2020: 40

Members typically join spring-fall for religious school and High Holy Day participation. Due to being 100% virtual we did not experience the annual membership growth cycle, while continuing to lose members due to moving, death and personal reasons at rates just slightly higher than prior years. These trends are being experienced nation-wide, with Temple Sinai faring better than many other congregations.

Projected Budget
Income: $4 million
Expense: $4.6 million

Budget will be balanced by PPP loan/grant with expected forgiveness of close to $600K and other cash on-hand as needed.
(Nursery School budget is not included here)
Fundraising Totals
High Holy Days (Virtual High Holy Day Fund, Yizkor Memorial Wall, Simcha Leaves and Memorial Plaques)
2019 - $38,000
2020 - $69,000

Donations above member financial commitments (May-September)
2019 - $515,000
2020 - $475,000

Honor our Heritage, Build our Future Capital Campaign
Pledge total: $9.8 million
Amounts received: $4.6 million

Members are generously fulfilling their pledges (most are over 5 years)

Sinai Annual Fund
2019 total raised: $205K
2020 goal: $160K
2020 through October: $50K
Amount needed by May 2021 to achieve fundraising goal: $110K

Any member who would like more detail about Temple Sinai’s finances, please send an email to Executive Director Ellen Agler.
Next Week’s Focus: Nursery School and Religious School