Israel, Gaza, and our Security

The climate in Israel has prompted a number of articles, emails and alerts about what, if any, steps congregations are taking to ensure the safety and security of their staff, congregants, and property in the face of what some believe could be heightened attempts to vandalize Jewish communities.  Linda Katz and I listened in on a conference call sponsored by the Union for Reform Judaism during which we learned that there have been no indications of any organized attempts to harm synagogues or Jews in the United States, although we were asked to ensure that all of us be on the look out for any unusual activity.  We pride ourselves at Temple Sinai of being a warm and welcoming community and will continue to greet those people that we do not recognize rather than treat them with suspicion just because we don’t know them.  We also have a number of different organizations using our space during times when our congregation is not using it so keeping the building locked at all times is simply not practical.  That being said, we and the other congregations in Brookline have been in touch with the Brookline Police.  They are aware of the potential for increased vandalism and have stepped up their patrol of area synagogues, especially during Shabbat.  If you observe any behavior or property that you think might be suspicious, please contact me, Linda Katz , Heidi Smith Hyde or any other member of the Temple staff with your concerns.  While we are fortunate to be living in the Greater Boston area where our safety as Jews is not often questioned, prudence dictates that we keep our eyes and ears open to anything that could potentially bring harm to our community during these troubling times in Israel and Gaza.

The Economy and the Temple’s Finances

 

Temple Sinai is not immune to the economic challenges we have all been facing.  The good news is that our membership is growing, the first half of our fiscal year has tracked favorably to past years, and the true measure of the health our balance sheet -- the vibrancy of our community – is strong.   But we are not without our concerns.  Like many non-profit organizations, we do rely on interest from our endowment for some of our operating dollars, and like all charitable organizations, our endowment has lost money in light of the performance of the stock market.  We have none of our funds invested with Bernie Madoff, so we expect that, over time, we will see improvement in the performance of our funds.  In the meantime, we do need to carefully track our expenses and budget conservatively.  For those who are in a position to help, I would also like to make a plea for your continued generosity.  Our free will campaign is underway and we are grateful that we are about 75% of the way to our goal, but our budget is based on reaching 100% of that goal.  I know that this is a very difficult time to ask for money, but if you are able to and have not yet responded to the free will campaign letter from Diane Ripstein, or if you are in the fortunate position to make an additional contribution, I ask that you do so.  All gifts matter.  All gifts make a difference.

The Economy and Us

 

The economic climate is not just affecting Temple Sinai as an organization; it is also impacting many of us directly.  Whether through lessened job security, increased financial pressure, loss of income, or increased anxiety about our own situations or those of family members and friends, we are all affected.  It is during these times, that our Temple community can play a very important role.  Whether through worship, community, study or access to confidential conversations with Rabbi Vogel, Cantor Toubes or others, we are here for anyone who needs us. We want to be a source of strength and community and not a burden.  I want to underscore that if dues create a financial hardship for you, your membership in Temple Sinai is secure. If you have concerns or wish to have a confidential conversation with a member of our Treasury, please contact Rose Mandelbaum ( rbmandelbaum@verizon.net ) or Deb Jacobson ( debjacobson@rcn.com ).  Also, if you are a lawyer, physician, mental health professional, financial advisor or have other professional skills that might be of help to someone in need of assistance during this time and you are available to talk, please let me or Rabbi Vogel know so we can arrange for a confidential referral.  Finally, we recognize that there are a number of community resources available to provide guidance and help to those who desire it.  Please check the Temple website ( www.sinaibrookline.org/page.php/id/1789 ) for further information.  If you know of other resources please contact Linda Katz ( administrator@sinaibrookline.org ) or me.

Endorsing Public Policy Matters

 

The proposal for determining whether the Temple will take a position on matters of public policy, which is posted on the Temple website, was approved as presented by the Board at its meeting on January 8, 2009.  The Board recognized that these matters are not likely to appear frequently, but our Trustees thought it prudent and appropriate to have a process in place that focuses primarily on educating our membership and giving the Board a way to evaluate proposals in an effective and informed manner.  My thanks to Judy Fabricant for coordinating the efforts the committee that developed the proposal:  Deena Blau, Joshua Ginsburg, Michael Klau, Sheila Shulman, and Judy Ferber, and to the Committee for the work they did.

Calling All Oneg Sponsors

We are still in need of sponsors for Onegs following Erev Shabbat services.  Hosting an oneg is a mitzvah that does not need to entail great expense.  Modest munchies to supplement the opportunity to gather for a few minutes after services is all that are required.  You can team up with a friend or family or ask Lucy Sandler ( lucydoctor@comcast.net ), Jeremy Wolfe ( wolfe@search.bwh.harvard.edu ), or Roberta Falke rfalke@rcn.com ) for ideas or guidance.  If you are able to host, please contact Lucy, Jeremy or Roberta, or sign-up online at www.sinaibrookline.org/page.php/id/1576 .  Thank you.