Late Summer
08/25/09 11:15
Message from The President
As the High Holidays approach, I find myself in both a reflective and prospective frame of mind, thinking back on the many changes and events of the past year, but also looking forward to the coming year and the excitement that an unknown, but limitless, future brings.
Over the past year the economic downturn has affected this Temple, as it has affected most of us as well. But as always, we persevere and look forward to a bright tomorrow with trust and dedication and a commitment from all of us to seeing our Shul and its members grow and prosper.
At the Reform Temple of Putnam Valley we have a tradition of turning no one away. We are not a business – we are a spiritual, religious institution. We are there for you to nurture your religion, your history, your children’s Jewish education, life cycle events, friendships, social action and knowledge. We are there for you when the holidays arrive, when you celebrate bar and bat mitzvot, births and weddings. And we are there for you as well when you mourn the loss of a loved one and can take comfort in the warmth and care and love that flows from our Temple family.
But while our strength is in our humanity, our operation depends on the continued financial support of our members. We can’t pay bills with kindness. We can’t tell Verizon that we’re doing great things, so keep the phone lines open. We can’t expect our wonderful teachers to work for free because of who we are. Being nice doesn’t keep our Temple clean. Being good doesn’t pay for heating oil or electricity. Being Jewish doesn’t get our parking lot plowed after a snowstorm. Having a great Rabbi doesn’t insure that the physical upkeep of our building gets accomplished (although it does insure an inspiring Shabbat service with – sometimes - good jokes).
We need you now more than ever. Although expenses have increased this year we are not – I repeat – we are not - raising our dues. On behalf of this wonderful Temple, on behalf of each one of us who have so much to gain from the continued good works of this Temple, I ask each and every one of you to find a way to pay your way, so that we can continue to succeed and grow.
We know, of course, that there are members who are struggling with personal or professional situations which make it very difficult or impossible for them to pay the full dues. Despite any financial hardships you may be presently (and hopefully temporarily) encountering, we want you to remain in our family, as you remain in our hearts. For anyone who has a hardship, you can speak with me or with our Board Treasurer, in the strictest of confidence, to work out whatever plan works for you. For those members who can pay their dues in full, however, we ask that you give more, so that those in need may give less. We are a family – a family that cares about each other, a family that treats each and every person with the dignity and respect that they deserve.
We thank you for your continued support of our synagogue. We will continue to work hard in the coming year to expand the Reform Temple of Putnam Valley’s tradition of being a progressive house of study and prayer and a joyous, warm, caring and meaningful part of our members’ lives.
Shalom.
Scott Levinson
As the High Holidays approach, I find myself in both a reflective and prospective frame of mind, thinking back on the many changes and events of the past year, but also looking forward to the coming year and the excitement that an unknown, but limitless, future brings.
Over the past year the economic downturn has affected this Temple, as it has affected most of us as well. But as always, we persevere and look forward to a bright tomorrow with trust and dedication and a commitment from all of us to seeing our Shul and its members grow and prosper.
At the Reform Temple of Putnam Valley we have a tradition of turning no one away. We are not a business – we are a spiritual, religious institution. We are there for you to nurture your religion, your history, your children’s Jewish education, life cycle events, friendships, social action and knowledge. We are there for you when the holidays arrive, when you celebrate bar and bat mitzvot, births and weddings. And we are there for you as well when you mourn the loss of a loved one and can take comfort in the warmth and care and love that flows from our Temple family.
But while our strength is in our humanity, our operation depends on the continued financial support of our members. We can’t pay bills with kindness. We can’t tell Verizon that we’re doing great things, so keep the phone lines open. We can’t expect our wonderful teachers to work for free because of who we are. Being nice doesn’t keep our Temple clean. Being good doesn’t pay for heating oil or electricity. Being Jewish doesn’t get our parking lot plowed after a snowstorm. Having a great Rabbi doesn’t insure that the physical upkeep of our building gets accomplished (although it does insure an inspiring Shabbat service with – sometimes - good jokes).
We need you now more than ever. Although expenses have increased this year we are not – I repeat – we are not - raising our dues. On behalf of this wonderful Temple, on behalf of each one of us who have so much to gain from the continued good works of this Temple, I ask each and every one of you to find a way to pay your way, so that we can continue to succeed and grow.
We know, of course, that there are members who are struggling with personal or professional situations which make it very difficult or impossible for them to pay the full dues. Despite any financial hardships you may be presently (and hopefully temporarily) encountering, we want you to remain in our family, as you remain in our hearts. For anyone who has a hardship, you can speak with me or with our Board Treasurer, in the strictest of confidence, to work out whatever plan works for you. For those members who can pay their dues in full, however, we ask that you give more, so that those in need may give less. We are a family – a family that cares about each other, a family that treats each and every person with the dignity and respect that they deserve.
We thank you for your continued support of our synagogue. We will continue to work hard in the coming year to expand the Reform Temple of Putnam Valley’s tradition of being a progressive house of study and prayer and a joyous, warm, caring and meaningful part of our members’ lives.
Shalom.
Scott Levinson
