Follow this article series, “Strength In …,” to learn more about how our Temple’s faith leaders and operations team maintain and serve our Jewish community.
Did you know that The Temple marketing and communications team is working to improve how members receive information? Through a late 2022 survey of the membership, the team was able to gather crucial demographic data regarding how different people prefer to receive information unique to their specific interests: One member is most interested in social events, like Hiking with Rabbi David or joining our WRJ Book Club. Another member is moved to take a deep dive into the Torah, adding to the weekly discussion about the Torah portion of services. Someone else is committed to community service through our Social Action Committee volunteer work. Whatever a member’s interests, and however they prefer to receive information around those interests, the team is working to interact with them based solely on their “flavor” of Temple life.
Our new campaign, “A Taste of The Temple– Find Your Flavor,” focuses on reaching congregants where they are. Here are the channels members can access for current information about their interests:
The printed monthly Bulletin goes out to members via the postal service
Three weekly emails
The Temple App includes a link for uploading photos
The Temple Web Portal has a secure login for members to update their membership information and pay dues online. Coming soon, a membership directory will be added
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow members to interact on social media
New communications tools include a digital sign visible from heavily traveled Lime Kiln Lane and Brownsboro Road. Seven different messages rotate every 15 seconds for drivers passing by. The team also launched the new portal app for members to use on the go. The marketing team’s goal was to get 250 members to download the app– but 1,373 members made actual downloads!
The team drafted a strategic communications plan that included findings from the survey. We hear your requests for creating step-by-step instructions and a video tutorial for the Member Portal on the app or website. The team will also capture screen views of each step to publish in the weekly newsletter. In-person group instructions with Benji Berlow, IT and Communications Manager, are also in the works to teach portal access and navigation, which can be simulcast on the big screen during Chavurat Shalom.
Survey Findings:
Most members access The Temple communications from the printed Bulletin, event emails from The Temple, weekly newsletter email, and the website
The Event Calendar is why most members go to the website
While the most commonly used social network for members is Facebook, the least preferred channel for receiving regular communications is through any social media channel
Survey feedback will also be reflected in updated communications including:
Concise messaging
Advance notice for services scheduling and leadership
A continuation of traditional forms of communication for those not on social media / not using the app
A refresh of The Temple branding
More frequent feature stories about members, volunteer opportunities, member connections and recruitment for membership/Sisterhood/Brotherhood, Temple history, cemetery maintenance reports, and foundation funding– members will be able to submit photos through the portal, app, and website that will be linked under a new section of the weekly newsletter, “Member Happenings”
Digital access to prayer books
Contact information for staff that includes photos and responsibilities
Addition of a form allowing members to select their preference to opt-in or out of communications
If possible, allow members to “build” their communication preferences by selecting the content they want to receive
Explore ways to categorize The Temple events calendar for users to filter based on their interests
Focus on Facebook as the primary social media channel with “notice” tags for submitted photos and shares, ongoing promotions for special events and members’ life cycles, campaign for The Temple’s 180th anniversary, and other historical and “Temple Trivia” posts
To request help using the Portal or for downloading the app and creating a user login, call The Temple Team at (502) 423-1818.
Follow this article series, “Strength In …,” to learn more about how our Temple’s faith leaders, member support, and operations team maintain the stability of our Jewish community.
The Temple Trager Early Childhood Education Center is an essential component of the services and benefits offered at The Temple by providing a foundation of learning to our member families and our greater community’s children.
Children are nurtured and encouraged at The Temple Trager ECEC through a philosophy encompassing the whole child’s advancement. With a curriculum program that fosters intellectual growth of the mind as well as the foundations for developing personality and character, the teaching strategies encompass five crucial criteria:
Fostering a positive self-image
Promoting decision-making and self-direction in learning
Allowing for the growth of social skills and facilitating social interaction
Allowing for flexibility to meet unique individual needs
Providing a warm, non-critical, nurturing environment
As a significant source of income to The Temple, the Trager ECEC contributes to the strength of our community by bringing in new members with tuition discounts and priority admission for current members. The preschool is also a promotion vehicle for the greater Louisville Community by providing exposure to Jewish holidays and traditions to non-Jewish families. For example, the school teaches Shabbat songs every Friday and hosts celebrations for all Jewish holidays. In addition, preschool families share in the Shabbat bags their children take home, filled with songs and blessings, candles, juice, challah, and Shabbat Buddy.
Another foundational component of studies for the children includes cultivating a kind and loving atmosphere with Mitzvah Month, when children participate in mitzvahs by collecting food for the JFCS food pantry and books for broader distribution.
Overview of The Temple Trager Early Childhood Education Center:
Staff and Students
A devoted staff at The Temple Trager ECEC includes many teachers who have been at the preschool for 20 years or more. The team embraces Jewish learning, traditions, and religion, participating in Temple events to offer babysitting services for families in attendance. Currently, there are 16 classrooms for children six weeks to kindergarten age, with a plan from the leadership team to add two additional classrooms later this year. That will result in an overall increase in capacity to 215 students.
Facility and Technology
The facilities team renovated our school’s facilities earlier this year with updates that included painting, new carpeting, and new lighting. In addition, pre-K and Kindergarten classes are newly equipped with SmartBoards, and the Little Techies program helps the younger children learn the basics of how to use a computer. Families can also tune into special programming on Facebook Live.
Security
Safety precautions are a priority at The Temple Trager ECEC, which utilizes strict security policies and procedures with up-to-date technology to keep the children safe.
Apply NOW to Enroll a Child
Call the Preschool Office at 502-423-1444
Go online for more information at www.thetemplepreschool.org
Set up a tour
Get on the waitlist
Don’t forget, if you are a Temple member; you get a discount on tuition and priority admission!
For over 180 years as a congregation, our connections at The Temple have fostered our communal Jewish lives. We are fulfilled through our faith as a community, taught and guided on our Jewish paths by Rabbi David and Cantor Lauren.
Follow this article series, “Strength In …,” to learn more about how our Temple’s faith leaders, member support, and operations team maintain the stability of our Jewish community.
The Temple is where our Jewish lives are nurtured through community, learning, and spirituality. Rabbi David and Cantor Lauren are at once our teachers, our counselors, our sources of inspiration, and our conductors. They lead our Jewish life-cycle celebrations, support us in times of crisis, and offer positive experiences that fulfill our lives. We asked Rabbi David and Cantor Lauren to tell us about their vocations to serve, teach, and preserve our Jewish legacy to hand down through the generations. Their answers explain how our collective voices, prayers, and connections link us to the meaning of life and the Divine.
Rabbi David Ariel-Joel
WHY DID YOU BECOME A RABBI?
I began a search to find a place for religion in my life while growing up in Israel in a secular home and witnessing a faith crisis for the nation after the Yom Kippur War almost destroyed it. I found a Reform synagogue and joined a youth group. I fell in love with the services, and the Rabbi positively influenced me. He offered me an opportunity to become an exchange student in Detroit to live with an American Reform family. I spent a year there, developing a connection to Reform Jewish life. The Rabbi in Detroit urged me to consider becoming a Rabbi. He inspired me to take the meaning and positive experience I discovered to as many people as possible. That seed later resulted in a commitment to my Rabbinate.
My early Reform Jewish life continues to influence my Rabbinate to this day. I strive to serve the congregation and offer them positive experiences that will fulfill their lives. I did not become a Rabbi to tell people what they need to believe or what they should do. In Israel, there is no separation of religion and state. I reject that with sensitivity instead toward positive Judaism. I prefer to meet people where they are and to serve their needs. I want to be present for them when they need me, and connect them to their own faith.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT YOUR RABBINATE?
There are several important things, not just one. I love sharing Jewish learning; I love to study and teach. Another even more important part are my visits twice a week to comfort members at hospitals and at nursing homes. On my first day as a Rabbi here, Rabbi Diamond explained that personal visits between a Rabbi and members create the most profound relationships for a Rabbi, the congregants, and their families. Touching people’s lives when they need me is the most meaningful moment for me. I will visit a member in hospice today. It will be challenging, but they need me and asked me to come. When I provide comfort, the encounter is the meaning of being a Rabbi.
The need for officiating interfaith marriages is considerable and conducting them is another important part of my Rabbinate. When I came to Louisville, I brought with me the prejudice many have about interfaith marriages. But, I met a couple that was genuine in their commitment to each other. I saw that if I officiated at their wedding, I would welcome a family into the Jewish community rather than rejecting them. Marrying them fulfilled a commandment of my Rabbinate. I don’t come with preconceived theological dogmas for our members; I am here to serve them.
The proudest service I have performed as a Rabbi was in 1996. I officiated the first same-sex wedding in Israel. I knew it would cause controversy. A statement was made in the media from the Conservative movement to fire me and warned of no cooperation with the Reform Movement. My life and the life of my wife, who was working at Yad Vashem Museum (the Holocaust Memorial Museum), were threatened. It was the bravest thing I have done as a Rabbi. The two women I married send me a thank you with flowers on their wedding anniversary every year. Both came from an Orthodox background, making their ceremony the most genuine and powerful religious experience of my life. There was so much spirituality and Divine energy in the room.
WHAT MADE YOU COME TO LOUISVILLE? WHY DID YOU STAY IN LOUISVILLE FOR SO MANY YEARS?
I had never heard about Louisville but knew about Kentucky Fried Chicken from the kosher branch in Jerusalem. The director of the placement committee for the Central Conference for Reform Rabbis met with me and told me that Louisville, Kentucky, is “The perfect fit for you, the place you are meant to be.” I knew and trusted him and said, “OK, I’ll interview there.” I came with the plan to have an experience as a family for three years and then go back to Israel. I even looked forward to returning to a job I had lined up when I went home. But once I started working with the congregation, I saw that the people here are warm, supportive, and loving– what we say in Yiddish is Mensch, a good decent person. After two years, The Temple President offered to renew my contract. So I went to Rabbi Diamond to discuss that it was a big decision for my family and me. “I feel that I am in the honeymoon stage, and I want to know when the mask will go down to expose the true nature of the congregation, and I may regret signing the renewal.” He said, “I don’t know the answer. I’ve only been here 40 years. I am still in the honeymoon stage with this place.” Now, after all this time, I feel the same as Rabbi Diamond. I love the congregation and Kentucky. People are generous with their time, their kindness, and their money. I love this congregation. I am the luckiest Rabbi, and I am in the best place.
Cantor Lauren Adesnik
WHY DID YOU BECOME A CANTOR?
I connect to Judaism, community, and God through music, which has guided my journey to the cantorate.
I have been singing my entire life, which is astonishing, considering I was born with significant hearing loss. Luckily it has to do with loudness and softness but doesn’t affect my ears’ pitch or nerves. As a young adult, I reflected on how miraculous it was that I overcame my hearing loss. As I began forming my theology, my philosophy of life, I determined there could only be a Divine being present to explain it.
Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, I am a bonafide “Valley Girl.” I started classical music training and singing at 15, and attended the University of Southern California on a music scholarship. After hearing me sing, people would tell me, “You have such a beautiful voice. You should become a cantor.” My reply was always, “I am going to be an opera singer,” and I did that. I spent my early years of post-college life as a young artist. But, I could not understand why I was fulfilling my dream but not feeling fulfilled. The more I performed on stage, the more unfulfilled I felt. Then I remembered the moments after becoming a Bat Mitzvah when I was on the bimah filling in for the Cantor or teaching other kids– those moments were full of meaning. So, I began searching for fulfillment by calling every Reform and Conservative synagogue in the San Fernando Valley to see if they needed a B’nei Mitzvah tutor. The last temple I called was Temple Judea, and they answered, “yes.” It was a great fit. Still, I did not intend to become a Cantor.
Then I watched my first student complete his Bar Mitzvah. He was a troubled kid from a broken home. A child of addicts, living with his grandmother. My mission was to be his cheerleader, providing confidence and support. I will never forget watching his face as he chanted Torah. He stood up straighter, bewildered because he was proud he had done it, but couldn’t quite believe that he had. Finally, his grandmother asked me, “why are you not a cantor? Look what you have done for my grandson.” I spent the entire next year contemplating her question, and almost exactly a year to the day, I decided this was my path. It is a sacred charge for me to be a grounding presence. I am grateful for my gift– to create Jewish connections and meaning with others.
PLEASE DESCRIBE WHAT A CANTOR DOES:
Cantors are ordained clergy. The focus and platform of a Cantor are to facilitate faith connections within the community. A Cantor fosters relationships through the medium of Jewish music. That encompasses worship and engaging the congregation to actively participate in creating music together. It’s practicing with the choir and with instrumentalists, it’s music education and fostering pastoral care. I would have just freelanced as a Jewish musician if it were only about music. But, in synagogue life, I engage with my voice and soul to create religious connections. Sometimes that is singing on the bimah during services or working with B’nei Mitzvah students teaching the Torah, which is a song that is meant to be chanted. And sometimes, it is offering someone a final confession or singing with seniors at elder care homes because it brings up memories for them that create holy moments full of meaning. If a cantor is well trained, and if they are brave, when sharing our voices through song, we are also sharing our souls. Our mission is to encourage those we share our souls with through our music and prayers to do the same. Every time I am engaged in work as a Cantor, I am relaying my whole soul. Creating sacred relationships is why I became a cantor. I am elevated, and the people I am connected with are, too. Ultimately, my interpretation is that we are connected to God in those moments.
How does our Temple maintain smooth daily business operations to ensure that we meet our mission, goals, and objectives? The answer lies with our dedicated team members who diligently work to meet a common goal of focusing on serving our members’ needs. As our Temple Team Creed says, We will promote honesty, trust, and equity with our members through respect and loving-kindness. Through our responsive and transparent communication, we will consistently raise the bar for our Temple Team. We asked our passionate team to describe a typical day on the job, tell about a time when they went above and beyond regular responsibilities, and why their job is important or why they like their job.
Erin Beeler
Member Relations Coordinator
A few regular daily tasks include:
Oversee processes for welcoming new members, donations, and cemetery concerns
Check on members with daily phone calls to ensure they feel recognized and valued by The Temple
Invoicing, depositing, and generating financial reports and tax letters
Write weekly thank you notes and handle memorial plaques
I am thrilled to have secured a Homeland Security Grant for The Temple, one that we haven’t been awarded in the past. For any event we host for our members I go above and beyond to make it as enjoyable and memorable as possible. “I love working for The Temple – everyone is so warm and welcoming! The team all stays super busy, and the environment here is like nothing else I’ve experienced in a workplace. It is a positive, fun, supportive, and productive place. I feel blessed to have gained this second family through The Temple!”
Benji Berlow
IT and Communications Manager
A few regular daily tasks include:
Updating our website and mobile app with events and pictures
Sending out communications to members
Preparing the live stream for Shabbat services
Organizing the upcoming Bulletin
Creating new automation for our database
During the pandemic, my job instantly changed to remote IT support for our members. As we were in unprecedented times, there was no guide map to follow. With every decision we made for Adult Education, services, or programs I always asked myself what would be easiest for our members. I worked one-on-one with congregants to understand their issues, teach them, and prevent their problems from arising again. “My job is essential because my work provides efficiencies to the entire staff. For example, if a task takes six or seven steps with manual input, I work with the team to turn that process into two clicks with automation.”
Santa Brink
Front Desk Coordinator
A few regular daily tasks include:
Ensuring our members are happy 200% of the time
Negotiating vendor contracts, ensuring the work is completed per our timelines
Managing all front desk volunteers and lead for all Temple committees
Support for our Jewish Heritage Fund Annual Grant
Once a cherished member had a bad fall. His daughter, who lives out of town, reached out to The Temple to see if we knew of any organizations that could help take care of his dog while he was on bed rest. I said, “We can.” I enlisted help from the staff at The Temple, and we took turns walking his dog for a few weeks until The Temple member got better. We continue to stay in touch with him so that anytime he needs help, we are there. “I LOVE my job because I love making people smile and laugh. It is a gratifying job, especially when I can resolve our members’ questions or concerns!”
Caty Gidcumb
Office Administrator, Temple Trager ECEC
A few regular daily tasks include:
Registration, billing inquiries, and adjustments
Ensuring student records are up-to-date
Gladly assist in classrooms for scheduled lunch breaks or if a staff member is absent
“While I have worked in childcare for over a decade, The Temple is by far the best preschool community of which I have been a part. Having the opportunity to grow in my career as well as provide my bonus son with an amazing educational opportunity is something for which I will always be thankful.”
Sarah Harlan
Principal, Chester B. Diamond Religious School and Director, Chavurat Shalom
A few regular daily tasks include:
Running Chavurat Shalom weekly: planning, communications, and payment for invoices
Liaison for school families, staff, Temple and community publications, Chavurat Shalom friends, speakers and performers, and the caterer
Plan and organize the Religious School calendar, including school-wide holiday “team center” days, special events, grade-level services, and dinners
Planning, purchasing, and mailing college care packages
Ordering grade-level service gifts and all textbooks and workbooks to ensure the curriculum is relevant, meaningful, and comprehensive.
Make sure everything runs smoothly on Sundays and Wednesdays for Religious School. I even substitute, if needed
I always want to ensure every student and family feels supported and welcome; I don’t consider it as going above and beyond to do whatever I need to accomplish that goal. “I’ll never forget the joy on the faces of the Chavurat Shalom friends when they saw each other once we were able to Zoom programming during the pandemic. The most important part of what I do is help people from preschool to seniors connect, feel respected, supported, and seen; act as a channel to join The Temple community; educate, entertain, and engage through the Religious School and Chavurat Shalom.”
Jess Kalb
Event and Marketing Coordinator
A few regular daily tasks include:
Temple lead for staff and members with all the details to ensure events are as strong as possible starting with images for visual marketing, copywriting, and determining a timeline for when and where to place the information
Writer and help with Bulletin, weekly email, app notifications, and social media
Act as a point of contact for members as they plan for lifecycle events like B’nei Mitzvah celebrations and weddings
Be the internal conduit among our administrative staff, volunteers, and maintenance staff because no event can run without proper planning and setup
I joke that I get to make art and plan parties all day. I love the work I get to do here. I try to lead by example, and I think it surprised my team that I showed up on a Sunday to clean up after a particularly messy event. “My job is necessary because it provides information and access to members so they may participate in our community, a central tenet of Jewish life.”
Andrea Melendez
Clergy Assistant
A few regular daily tasks include:
Assist and support Rabbi David and Cantor Lauren in all aspects of their roles at The Temple
Work as an intermediary between Temple congregants and the clergy to support them through all life cycle events, community outreach opportunities, and individual needs
“I have worked at The Temple for ten years and as a part of our local Jewish community for almost 20 years. I have served in a few different roles, but I love supporting the community I call home because my family and I are a part of it.”
Twila Norris
Assistant Director, Temple Trager ECEC
A few regular daily tasks include:
Check with the staff to make sure they have everything they need
Serve as a sounding board for the teachers so they feel heard
Assure we have all the supplies we need for a great day at The Temple
Navigate teacher schedules to make sure all classroom numbers are below the state standard
On occasions, I also help parents after hours with issues they might have with their children which sometimes might include phone calls with the children. “I love my job because it gives me the opportunity to grow lasting, loving relationships with the children, families, and my co-workers.”
Julie Peak Simon
Director, Temple Trager ECEC
A few regular daily tasks include:
Implement the philosophy of Temple Trager ECEC
Supervise and manage all staff schedules, professional growth, and classroom curriculum
Prepare the annual budget and operate the preschool within the approved budget
Before the start of this school year, I hosted our team of 55 teachers at my house for dinner to provide an inclusive way for everyone to relax and enjoy each other’s company outside of the preschool. “I am honored to be part of a community with a long-standing reputation for its dedication to the education and social/emotional development of young children. I love my job because it affords me the opportunity to not only work alongside incredible teachers but to play and laugh with children throughout my day.”
Our Maintenance Team is composed of four members who share the responsibilities of maintaining our buildings and property. Meet our Maintenance Team Members:
Terry Campbell
Maintenance Team Leader
Gene Doyle
Maintenance Team
Daily tasks and responsibilities include:
Service and event set-up
Maintenance projects and repairs
Daily cleaning and checking grounds of Temple
Snow removal on sidewalks
Open The Temple each morning
Support preschool needs
Manage all other issues / projects /maintenance needs
Bailey Czerkiewicz and Dan Krause
Night Maintenance
Nightly tasks and responsibilities include:
Maintenance support
Secure the building (lights, locks, etc.)
Burglar and fire alarm priority call list
Prep for early morning, evening, and weekend activities
The Fiscal year for the Temple is from July 1st through June 30th. Since the beginning of the new 2022/2023 fiscal year through the end of December, the news about our financial position has been positive.
Following are projects we have been able to implement thanks to contributions from members over and above dues received from July 1, 2022 through the end of December 2022:
Update security systems in the front of the building and at ECEC
The addition of campus-wide security cameras
Replace lightning rods
Replacement locks both inside and outside
Remodel and interior design updates for ECEC
As of the end of November 2022, we reported 260 donations totaling $94,228.19. Therefore, we received a total of $67,501.49 from 85 donations in December 2022.
The increase in donations reflected in our report is due to the generosity of a significant portion of our membership. Because of the due diligence and stewardship practiced by the Board of Trustees, our members recognize the importance of additional financial support above and beyond their regular dues. Designating some of the monies directly to the endowment for future use and the prudent allocation of funds for enhancements to address immediate needs on behalf of our members makes us proud of the faith and commitment of our congregation.
The ability to report this positive news is primarily the result of our leadership’s proactive steps to employ a new, modern software system, Congregation Connect. The enhanced software provides real-time data and robust reporting capabilities. The results are superior planning and projections with a complete picture of members and financials in one place– including activity history, giving history, programs, and events attended. It also makes the flow of information to and from the congregation smooth and transparent.
Below are some additional benefits of membership generosity resulting in the growth of our overall financial stability:
A significant number of congregants are paying dues on time, not in arrears. The generosity of members has allowed The Temple to collect approximately 80% of annual dues in the first six months of the fiscal year resulting in positive cash flow without borrowing. The continued support of the congregation confirms the value The Temple is providing to members.
A bonus to positive cash flow and surplus income is saving money over and above The Temple’s budget while also earning interest.
Over the last several years, an active, knowledgeable, responsible Board has carefully safeguarded our finances, our operations, and decisions about capital improvements. Another prudent fiscal tactic has been making capital improvements yearly through the endowment to continue operating within a balanced budget.
Following are the repairs, renovations, and upgrades to our property that have not only been necessary but also ensure the longevity of our structures and the beautification of the grounds.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND REPAIRS INCLUDE:
New air conditioning and heating units
New roof
New state-of-the-art-kitchen
NEEDED INFRASTRUCTURE:
Two new Zoom rooms for online programs
New sound system in the Main Sanctuary
200+ New chairs replacing High Holy Day chairs in the Heideman Auditorium
LED lights throughout the entire campus
Updated landscaping across the campus
Columbarium updates at the cemetery
“To the credit of our staff and Board management over the recent past, we have been able to manage large expenses and remain financially stable. The team has maintained our balanced budget and improved our financial standing. Deferred improvements in our 40-year-old building have now been completed by planning and spending responsibly.” ~ Board Treasurer Mickey Heideman
IMPROVEMENTS WERE FUNDED IN ONE OF THREE WAYS:
Board approved enhancements
Investment committee endowment allocations
Annual budget expenditures
FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS APPROVED AND BUDGETED BY THE BOARD:
Build offices for two new administrative staff
Update security systems in the front of the building and at ECEC
The addition of campus-wide security cameras
Replace lightning rods
Replacement locks both inside and outside
Remodel and interior design updates for ECEC
The added value of the dependable fiscal responsibility and operational efficiencies of The Temple motivates many members to donate more than is expected because they believe in the profound impact our Temple has on the congregation. The legacy of our Temple’s strength, guardianship, responsibility, and sustainability is dependent on all of us.
Follow this article series, “Strength In …,” to learn more about how our Temple’s stewardship has resulted in the stabilization and growth of our financial position.
Our Fiscal year ends on June 30, with a new year beginning on July 1. For 120 days since the 2022-2023 fiscal year began, there is positive news to report about our financial position. Following is a snapshot of the growth and improvements:
Our year-to-date comparison to FY22 vs FY23 shows an annual revenue increase of 10%
We have also improved dues collections
Endowment funds total approximately $6.5 million
Notably, 159 members have made contributions to The Temple above their dues even though there is currently no giving campaign
Our administration and operations teams diligently evaluate contracts and processes for efficiencies to ensure they contain expenses. As a result, our costs are on budget despite the current period of inflation.
Mickey Heideman stresses that our financial picture has improved: “Our members understand the importance of their dues to the bottom line. Some also make extra contributions. And, we also have the staff and committee chairs to thank for controlling expenses.”
If you would like to help us continue the current trajectory of financial growth and stability, please consider a Qualified Charitable IRA Rollover Distribution for The Temple in discussions with your accountant or tax advisor. Your trusted advisors can ensure that a charitable contribution is appropriate for you. At this time of year, many members are considering taking minimum distributions. Here are considerations if you are thinking of making a charitable contribution to The Temple:
Take advantage of the last great tax break with your Charitable IRA Rollover. Support The Temple simply and easily. If you are 70 1/2 or older, you can roll over up to $100,000 from your IRA to The Temple.
To qualify, the transfer must go directly from your IRA to The Temple
Gifts made from your IRA (up to $100,000 per year) are not reportable as taxable income
The gift must be an outright commitment yet can be used to satisfy existing pledges
The gift will qualify toward your required minimum distribution
The dependable fiscal responsibility and operations of The Temple motivate many members to donate more than is expected because they believe in the profound impact our Temple has on the congregation. Our Temple’s strength, guardianship, responsibility, and sustainability is dependent on all of us.
Five strengths that have been implemented through our Temple’s stewardship that resulted in the stabilization and growth of our financial position:
Our financial stability is safeguarded by an active, knowledgeable, responsible Board
Operations are continually improving through a dedication to reducing unnecessary spending, streamlining processes, and negotiating contracts
Continued annual contributions to various endowment funds ensure the sustainability of The Temple
The support of the congregation, even during the pandemic, continues to show the value The Temple is providing to members
Capital improvements are made every year through the endowments and do not impact the balanced budget. Some of these include:
New festival windows at entrance
Restroom upgrades with painting, lighting, etc., especially the women’s entry foyer
Library updated, painted, and new lighting installed
New lobby look with painting, lighting, and furniture
New and updated landscaping around the campus, as well as the cemetery
Renovation of the columbarium at the cemetery
New LED lighting all around the Temple
Staff hallway with new flooring
New air conditioning unit for entire campus
New chairs for services
Enhanced engagement with members through mailings during Passover, HHD, and Hanukkah
Installed water bottle filling stations around The Temple
Purchased two Zoom rooms in order teach classes virtually
My wife, Robin, and I have been Temple members for 40 years. We raised our now adult sons here, attending Trager ECEC, Religious and Hebrew School, celebrated their Bar Mitzvahs and Confirmations, and attended High Holy Day services — all traditional ways most members participate at The Temple. We utilized the services offered by The Temple, but we weren’t active in giving back. We supported The Temple financially with our dues, but after other expenses from raising two children in the Jewish community, we only contributed to other fundraising efforts on occasion, and we didn’t have extra time to be active volunteers.
Four years ago, as my 60th Birthday approached, I decided to become a Bar Mitzvah. After all, 60 is the new 13! I studied with Rabbi Rapport, meeting weekly at his office at The Temple. Walking through the building each week, my eyes were really opened to behind-the-scenes work among clergy, staff, and volunteers and the synergy of these relationships. I became more aware of all The Temple had to offer, and my interest in becoming involved was piqued. I had something to offer back to the place that was providing me the opportunity to explore my Judaism more deeply than ever before.
I reached out to then President, Reed Weinberg, and we began to look at how I could best serve The Temple. I am honored to now serve on the Board and Budget and Finance Committee. Looking back, I remember the first time I looked over a monthly financial statement and my initial reaction was “Wow — The Temple is on very sound financial footing.” To be honest, I wasn’t always sure this was the case. I also found the other volunteers at the table to be group of active, knowledgeable, and dedicated leaders who were breathing new energy and ideas into The Temple. I discovered so many strengths of The Temple. For starters, the fiscal guardianship of The Endowment and balanced budgets show operating surpluses. Both enable the Temple to reinvest in our infrastructure and operations and continually improve. I also learned that as we navigated Covid and transitioned to our new normal, annual contributions to ensure our sustainability and support of our congregants increased. These financial accomplishments and other strengths will be highlighted in future issues of the Bulletin. I hope you will find, as I have, there is so much to take pride in at our Temple.
The top five revelations Bruce discovered by becoming more involved:
Our financial stability is safeguarded by an active, knowledgeable, responsible Board
Operations are continually improving through a dedication to reducing unnecessary spending, streamlining processes, and negotiating contracts
Continued annual contributions to various endowment funds ensure the sustainability of The Temple
The support of the congregation, even during the pandemic, continues to show the value The Temple is providing to members
Capital improvements are made every year through the endowments and do not impact the balanced budget. Some of these include:
New festival windows at entrance
Restroom upgrades with painting, lighting, etc., especially the women’s entry foyer
Library updated, painted, and new lighting installed
New lobby look with painting, lighting, and furniture
New and updated landscaping around the campus, as well as the cemetery
Renovation of the columbarium at the cemetery
New LED lighting all around the Temple
Staff hallway with new flooring
New air conditioning unit for entire campus
New chairs for services
Enhanced engagement with members through mailings during Passover, HHD, and Hanukkah
Installed water bottle filling stations around The Temple
Purchased two Zoom rooms in order teach classes virtually
