Janet’s Message

Posted by webmaster on November 20th, 2007

First let me say that I am proud of what this board has accomplished during its term. While the road has sometimes been rocky and rather than thinking “pebbles’, think “boulders’, much of what we have accomplished as a congregation could not have been achieved without difficult decisions being made and then accomplished by direct follow through. Barry, thank you, for your leadership, dedication, foresight, generosity, and support. You’re a hard act to follow but I know that Stuart, with your continuing support, is up to the task!

As you already have and will continue to hear tonight, please note that many of our challenges are not new, nor are they insurmountable. Each time we have been faced with a challenge, we have rallied and done amazing things. We are a dedicated and devoted group!

For nearly twenty years, I have served Beth Shalom and worked with ten different presidents and boards. Every decision that was voted upon was based on information that was available at the time. Never was a decision made that wasn’t thought to be in the best interest of Beth Shalom. Tough decisions sometimes, but always, with the hope that Beth Shalom would improve and prosper. This is no different now.

And so, tonight hearing some of the changes, plans and dreams for this, our congregation, keep in mind that you are part of the solution.

I’d like to first address some numbers for you.

In June of 2006, we had 186 members but after removing members who were not responsive to letters, emails or phone calls and those who dropped membership on their own, our membership number dropped to 166 as of December 2006. In July of 2007 five members dropped bringing our number to 161. Since July, we have added 11 new members bringing us to 172 member units, which is where we currently stand. Several of our new members are actually returning members. That’s good news for us.

To acknowledge those new members, we will be welcoming them during our New Member Shabbat and Board Installation on Friday, December 14^th. A congregational dinner will be held prior to services and all new members will be invited as guests. I encourage you to come and show them the warm hospitality that Beth Shalom has always been noted for.

Let me also address some ways in which we have been working to reduce costs. We have been actively pursuing cost savings opportunities in the office. Most correspondence has been sent via email saving us hundreds of dollars in postage. Donations of used HP printer cartridges have saved us $3 for each one used against purchases at OfficeMax. If you can donate your used cartridges, please do so. Used cell phones bring in between 1 and 3 dollars each. Using scan cards at local grocery stores yields us nearly two thousand dollars a year. I have left cards on the back bookcase for you to take tonight. Kroger’s requires the paper scan card along with their plastic card and Tom Thumb requires you to initially go to the service desk and link your card to #658, which corresponds to Beth Shalom. Even though Albertsons disbanded the use of scan cards, they have issued us Community Partner cards which when scanned gives us the same small percentage as before. With more people shopping at Wal-Mart, we have seen a reduction in scan card income of about 20%. Please be sure to use your cards each time you shop. It is a fundraiser that costs you nothing.

Danielle will speak about ways to support the religious school through various fundraisers as well. Please support those efforts even if you do not have a child in school. Supporting the Sisterhood gift shop is another way that you can benefit Beth Shalom. Why spend money at Macy’s or Steinmart for a gift when you make a purchase there? Our Sisterhood has bee incredibly generous.

If you’re asking yourself why the focus of every conversation is about money….. Here’s the bottom line. Whether we have 272 members or 172 members, the cost to operate Beth Shalom is the same. But with 272 members, our budget of $425,000 is about $1562 per family whereas with only 172 members the cost is $2470 per family, nearly a $900 difference. Without the addition of 100 more families, we all, to a greater degree, have to share the burden (or responsibility) of maintaining this campus. Keep in mind that the total number of members including adults and children under the age of 21 is 473. That’s 473 people that Beth Shalom serves nearly every day. At any time, we will be celebrating a birth, a naming, a bris, a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, a simcha or a death. To be a part of a synagogue is to be a part of a community and have the support of the entire staff. I hope we have been serving you well.

Be generous about donations. For a minimum of $5 each, you can acknowledge birthdays, anniversaries, yahrzeits, etc. Instead of purchasing a greeting card and putting a 42-cent stamp on it, let me acknowledge the occasion with a letter from Beth Shalom.

Donations directed to the Mortgage Reduction Fund have helped bring our mortgage down significantly. Since July, we have received donations of over $4800 to this fund alone. This does not include the Free in Three Campaign. This Campaign has raised $129,795 in pledges from 76 families, received $3475 from non-members and $7003 in donations to date. The grand total is $140,173, a little more than 1/3 of our goal. If you have not considered the Campaign yet, please do. We are making great strides in reducing our debt because our members care about our future.

Additionally, we have recruited new members for the Chevra Kaddisha, revigorated the Caring Committee and added more programs, classes and activities this year. Onegs and Kiddush are now being provided by generous sponsors and are the responsibility of the office rather than Sisterhood. Volunteers are always the lifeblood of any organization and I encourage you to jump in and participate when and where you can.

Please know that I am always available to answer your questions or to be of support. Thank you for the privilege of serving Beth Shalom. I am excited and looking forward to working with our new president and board.

October 2008

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