President’s Column: Rekindling Light, Renewing Commitment: Looking Ahead to 2026
As we enter January 2026, I’ve been reflecting on a teaching from the Talmud about the mitzvah of lighting the Hanukkah candles. The sages teach “ma’alin bakodesh v’ein moridin,” in matters of holiness, we ascend rather than descend. Each night of Hanukkah, we add one more candle, increasing the light in the world rather than letting it fade. It’s a simple ritual with a profound message: Jewish life is built on the belief that we can always grow, deepen, and brighten what already exists.
This year, that teaching feels especially resonant.
Just a few weeks ago, our community gathered for the most joyful Hanukkah celebrations in recent memory. Over 150 people - children, parents, grandparents, longtime members, and new faces - filled our space with song, laughter, and light. It was a powerful reminder of who we are: a community that shows up for one another, celebrates together, and creates moments of connection that linger long after the candles burn down.
And now, as we look ahead, we have more opportunities to “add light” to our shared Jewish life. On March 21st, 2026, we will come together for our 3rd Annual TBT Gala Celebration and Auction, an evening that has quickly become one of the highlights of our year. This event not only brings us joy and togetherness, it also plays a crucial role in supporting our synagogue’s financial health.
This year, we are asking for your help to make the gala stronger than ever. We are seeking contributions for both our silent auction and our live auction. Silent auction items of all kinds are welcome; for the live auction we are especially looking for vacation homes, sporting or theater tickets, special experiences, and other high-value offerings. Please reach out to our gala team at tbtgala@gmail.com for more information. They will be delighted to help coordinate the details.
And speaking of our future: as many of you know, we are still working to retire the remaining debt from our renovation. That renovation gave us a beautiful, functional, welcoming home, one that serves our children, supports our clergy and staff, and allows us to gather in meaningful ways. Now we must take the next step and ensure that this home is financially secure for the next generation. Every contribution, every pledge, every act of support helps us move closer to that goal.
In the spirit of “ma’alin bakodesh”, I invite each of us to take one step upward this year. Attend a service. Join a class. Volunteer for a committee. Support the gala. Make a meaningful donation toward our renovation debt. Reach out to someone you haven’t seen in a while. Show up, because when you do, you not only receive joy, you help create it.
Our synagogue is more than a building; it is a living, breathing community. And its strength comes from each of us choosing, again and again, to add our own light to the collective flame.
May 2026 be a year of growth, connection, and renewed purpose. May we continue to rise together, adding light upon light.
B’shalom,
Josh Broder, TBT President