“Thankfulness has an inner connection with humility. It recognizes that what we are and what we have is due to others, and above all, to G-d” - Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
As we head into November, many of us are beginning to plan Thanksgiving celebrations with family and friends. Menus are already coming together, packed with everyone’s holiday favorites- whether that means squash soup, turkey or tofurkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, biscuits, green beans, lentils, and pies of every flavor. After all, the holiday isn't defined by a single dish, but by the collective feast we share together.
Similarly, we have so much to “feast” on at TBT. From weekly Shabbat services and Torah study to our men’s and women’s clubs, Kesher connection groups, thought- provoking adult programming, community outreach, and a religious school that strengthens Jewish values in our youth - TBT is bustling. This growth is wonderful, AND it also means our days are fuller than ever, and many of us are stretched thin. As we navigate this vibrant chapter together, let’s continue to show each other kindness, patience, and grace, keeping in mind that growing together also means adapting to change together.
In Judaism, gratitude is a core value and discipline, and is at the heart of our identity as Jews. The Hebrew phrase for gratitude, Hakarat HaTov, literally translates to "recognizing the good.” At its foundation, this practice reminds us of our deep, sacred interdependence and how much we rely on one another. Ultimately, acknowledging this connection brings a shared responsibility to care deeply for our community - its members AND its building.
Every day, I witness our members take incredible care of one another! I see rides getting coordinated to drive a member to services, choir practice or into town forgroceries. I see congregants slip away from a meal early so that they can ensure there is a minyan for someone in a period of shloshim. As members of this sacred community, we do an exceptional job at sharing responsibility for one another’s well-being.
Since becoming the President of our Board of Trustees, I have held on to the hope of writing to share that we finally reached our $1 million goal. Thanks to your generosity, we built momentum during the High Holidays that brought us very close. We are over $780,000 - this is on top of the $12 million that has been raised since the initial capital campaign was launched in 2019. Our pace has slowed since the High Holidays, and our deadline for this match is fast approaching (December 31).
Please, I implore you to take care of one another andstep forward to clear this remaining debt so we can gather in our sanctuary with peace of mind that our future on the shoreline is secure. Modim anachnu lach...thank you G-d for all your gifts - in particular this congregation and their enduring commitment to one another. I am forever grateful!
Happy Thanksgiving...may your tables be over-flowing with great food, and the love of family and friends!
Jodie M. Ambrosino
President
Listen to Jodie’s message in song HERE