Dear Temple Beth Tikvah Community,
As we move into the heart of summer, I find myself deeply grateful for the strength, spirit, and warmth of our TBT family. Summer is often a time of rest and renewal, and yet, even in these quieter months, our synagogue is very much alive, with energy, purpose, and deep connection.
This was felt so clearly at our recent Gala on June 7th, where over 120 people gathered to celebrate and support our community. It was an evening filled with laughter, generosity, and shared purpose.
What moved me even more was the outpouring of support we received from those who weren’t able to attend in person but contributed from afar. That is the true strength of this community: when one of us shows up, we all benefit. When many of us show up, whether physically or through giving, the impact is transformational. A humongous thank you goes out to the entire Gala committee (Alison Broder, Gary Damiano, Shaun Glazier, Jamie Rubin, and Helen Winokur) and all who helped put such a special night together, todah rabah.
Thanks to that generosity, and the dedication of so many volunteers, we are better positioned to build the future we all envision. And speaking of the future, mark your calendars now for our next Gala, tentatively scheduled for March 21, 2026. If this year is any indication, it will be another evening to remember.
That future is also being shaped right now through our Secure the Future Capital Campaign, which is already underway. This is an essential effort to ensure the long-term vitality, safety, and sustainability of Temple Beth Tikvah, not just for us, but for generations to come. If you would like to learn more, or speak directly with our campaign chair, David Sack, just let us know. David is happy to reach out and share more about how you can be part of this critical initiative.
Meanwhile, summer offers opportunities to gather in beautiful and meaningful ways. One of our favorite TBT traditions is back: Beach Shabbat. These peaceful Friday evenings are a chance to slow down, breathe in the sea air, and welcome Shabbat together. Join us on July 18, August 1, and August 15 at 6:00 p.m. at East Wharf Beach in Madison. Whether you come for the service, the community, or just the view—these moments of spiritual connection are what make our summers so special. At the same time, we cannot ignore the ongoing crisis facing Israel and the Jewish people worldwide. In addition to the ongoing pain and uncertainty following the October 7th attacks, and the urgent efforts to bring all remaining hostages home, Israel now faces escalating threats from Iran and its proxies, adding a dangerous new layer to an already complex and painful reality. The threat is real, and it affects Jews everywhere. We stand in unwavering solidarity with Israel and all who are working toward security, justice, and peace. Here at home, the continued rise in antisemitism, on college campuses, in politics, and in public discourse, demands our vigilance and resolve. These are not just global headlines; they are personal. They remind us why our synagogue must remain strong, proud, and united, why we gather, why we teach, and why we lead with courage and purpose.
Temple Beth Tikvah is not only a spiritual home, it is a source of strength, identity, and resilience. It is where we teach our children to be proud of who they are, where we gather to support one another, and where we refuse to let hatred define our future. This is the sacred work we do, not only in times of crisis, but always. And it is why your continued engagement, support, and presence mean so much.
As we look toward the High Holidays in the fall (Erev Rosh Hashanah is the evening of Monday, September 22 ), I invite you to stay connected. Come to a beach Shabbat, get involved in a committee, speak to David Sack about the campaign, or simply reach out and share your ideas, hopes, or concerns. Together, we are building something lasting and meaningful.
Wishing you a summer filled with joy, rest, connection, and purpose.
B’shalom,
Josh Broder, TBT President