President's Column: June 2025

“It is not incumbent upon you to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.”

– Pirkei Avot 2:16

At our recent Annual Meeting, the 48th in our congregation’s history, I had the honor of

delivering my first “State of TBT” address as your President. It was a meaningful opportunity to

reflect on the progress we’ve made over the past year and to share some of the vision that

continues to guide us. When I stepped into this role last July, I set out with three primary goals:

1. Streamlining and Documenting Our Systems

Behind the scenes, a lot of work has gone into simplifying how TBT operates. We’ve transitioned to QuickBooks

Online for better financial reporting and expanded our use of ShulCloud to strengthen communication and data

management. We’ve also begun documenting key processes, roles, and responsibilities—an investment in

smoother transitions and institutional memory for years to come.

2. Rethinking Our Financial Model

We’ve launched a new financial task force, led by Alan Friedman, to explore how we might evolve our funding model

to better reflect the changing needs of synagogue life. They’re actively researching what other congregations have

done and will bring recommendations to the Board, and eventually to all of you, for input. This is a long-term project,

but one that could shape a more sustainable future for TBT.

3. Renewing Our Commitment to Financial Strength

As many of you know, the beautiful renovation of our sanctuary and building was a transformative milestone in

TBT’s story. But it also came with significant financial obligations that remain with us today. This year, we’ve reignited

our Secure the Future capital campaign under the leadership of David Sack, with the goal of meaningfully

reducing the debt associated with that renovation.

This campaign is not just about paying off a loan, it’s about honoring the investment we’ve made in our spiritual

home, preserving the sacred space we’ve built together, and ensuring that TBT remains vibrant and financially

healthy for generations to come.

“They shall give, everyone whose heart moves them.”

– Exodus 25:2

That verse from the Torah, about the building of the Mishkan, reminds us that generosity is not only about financial

support, but about heart, intention, and sacred responsibility. In the coming weeks and months, if you haven’t

already, you’ll hear more about how you can be part of this effort from a member of the Secure the Future

campaign team. Every contribution, large or small, makes a difference and strengthens our future.

Beyond these priorities, there is so much more to celebrate. Our preschool is full of energy and joy. Our religious

school has over 90 students engaged in Jewish learning. We’ve welcomed new members into our TBT family. And

our calendar continues to be filled with meaningful services, thoughtful programs, and joyful moments of connection.

As I look ahead, I’m filled with gratitude and hope. This community is full of people who step up, give generously of

themselves, and help carry the mission of TBT forward. That’s what makes this synagogue not just a building, but a

sacred home.

Thank you for your continued support, your involvement, and your trust. I look forward to all we’ll build, together, in

the year ahead.

B’shalom,

Josh Broder, TBT President

President’s Column

President's Column: May 2025

As the days grow longer and we inch closer to summer, May offers us a moment to reflect on both celebration and connection within our Temple Beth Tikvah family.

This month, we join Jews around the world in marking Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. It’s a time not only to celebrate the birth of the modern State of Israel, but to reaffirm our connection to its people, its promise, and its continued vibrancy. Whether you connect through prayer, food, music, or history, Yom HaAtzmaut reminds us how deeply Israel lives in the hearts of Jews everywhere—including right here at Temple Beth Tikvah.

Just a few days later on May 16, we celebrate Lag Ba’Omer—a joyful break in the Omer period that brings with it a spirit of light and community. Traditionally marked with bonfires, music, and outdoor fun, Lag Ba’Omer is a reminder that even in the midst of reflection, there is room for joy and togetherness. I have particularly fond memories of Lag Ba’Omer from my time as a student in Jewish day school. Every year, the day was transformed into a full-blown field day filled with games, sports, and challenges. We were divided into twelve groups—each one representing one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel—and the 8th graders served as our team leaders. There was so much spirit and camaraderie, and a real sense of pride in representing your tribe. It’s a memory that has stuck with me, and one that reminds me how joyful Jewish tradition can be when we experience it in community.

May also marks a season of transitions and milestones. As our students finish their school years and our b’nai mitzvah families celebrate meaningful moments, we honor the hard work, growth, and achievements of our youth. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our teachers, clergy, staff, and volunteers who nurture Jewish learning and identity in such meaningful ways all year long.

I also want to invite you to our Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 21 at 7:00pm. This is more than just a business meeting—it’s a chance to reflect on the year behind us, look ahead with intention, and engage in the future of our congregation. Your voice and your presence are what make this community strong, and I hope to see many of you there.

Looking ahead, we’re just weeks away from our Second Annual Gala on June 7th. Last year’s inaugural event was a beautiful evening of joy, community, and support—and this year promises to be even more special. This Gala isn’t just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of who we are as a congregation: joyful, inclusive, and deeply committed to one another. I hope you’ll join us, bring friends, and take part in a night that strengthens our temple and lifts our spirits.

As we prepare for summer, I encourage you to stay connected. Whether it’s attending services, volunteering, or simply reaching out to someone in the community, your presence matters. Together, we continue to build something lasting and meaningful.

B’shalom,

Josh Broder, TBT President

President's Column - December 2024

Dear Friends,

In the second century BCE, the Holy Land was under the rule of the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks), who sought to impose Greek culture and beliefs on the people of Israel, undermining their observance of mitzvot and devotion to G d. Against incredible odds, a small group of faithful but poorly armed Jews, led by Judah the Maccabee, defeated one of the most powerful armies of the time. They drove the Greeks out, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, and rededicated it to the service of G d.

When they went to light the Temple's Menorah (the seven-branched candelabrum), they found only a single cruse of pure olive oil that had not been contaminated. Miraculously, this small amount of oil burned for eight days—enough time to prepare a new supply under the proper conditions of ritual purity. Like Passover, Hanukkah is a celebration of freedom—freedom from oppression and the ability to practice religious expression. The Hebrew word Chanukah means "dedication," commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

The Festival of Lights, another name for Chanukah, is one of my favorite Jewish holidays. While other kids anticipated Christmas, I was eagerly preparing for Chanukah. Why? Because what’s better than freshly made latkes (with chives and scallions for extra flavor—delicious!), sufganiyot (Hebrew for doughnuts), playing dreidel with chocolate gelt as prizes, and lighting the menorah while singing traditional songs and blessings? (Ma’oz Tzur or Rock of Ages—is my personal favorite. My mom made my brother and me sing it every night of Chanukah when we were kids.) And let’s not forget the cherry on top: eight nights of presents!

Chanukah arrives each year near the winter solstice, when daylight is at its shortest. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, there’s always light ahead. As we enter winter and reflect on the ongoing war in Israel—now 14 months long—let us pray for light at the end of this dark tunnel. Just as the oil miraculously lasted eight nights, let us hope for a miracle: the safe release of all remaining hostages. That would truly embody the spirit of Chanukah.

I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the TBT Board of Trustees, the Leadership Council, our clergy and staff, and all the amazing volunteers who dedicate themselves to our incredible community. A special thank-you goes to two remarkable lay leaders, Suzy Frisch and Andrea SanMarco. Their tireless efforts— whether supporting our staff, stepping in during crunch times, or simply always being present—are invaluable TBT wouldn’t be the same without their dedication. Thank you both!

Nes gadol haya sham —“a great miracle happened there.” These words, inscribed on the dreidel, remind us of the miracles Chanukah represents. May the light of this season inspire all of us to shine brightly, even in challenging times, and to dedicate ourselves to something greater—this extraordinary TBT community.

Happy Chanukah from my family to yours!
Josh Broder,
President, Temple Beth Tikvah

President's Column - November 2024

Dear Friends,

In Judaism, gratitude is a core principle and a way of life, expressed through words, actions, and attitudes. The Hebrew term for gratitude, hakarat ha'tov, translates to "recognizing the good." Jewish teachings emphasize that gratitude can simplify our lives, even in difficult times. Grateful individuals tend to be more optimistic and less affected by jealousy and anxiety over what they lack. As we approach Thanksgiving in a few weeks, I want to share what I am thankful for and express my gratitude.

I am grateful for my family—my loving wife, Alison, and my incredible son, Cooper. They are my pillars of strength, and without them, I would feel lost. I am thankful for my clients who trust me and my team to guide them through their financial journeys. I am also grateful for my TBT friends and family, especially the dedicated Board of Trustees and Leadership Council who support our governance efforts. Our clergy and professional staff—Rabbi Moss, Ira, Kim, Caroline, Jen, and our custodians—are the real heroes who keep TBT running smoothly. And, of course, I am thankful for all our member families; without you, TBT would not exist. Lastly, I appreciate our volunteers, like Alan Friedman and David Sack, who I mentioned during my Rosh Hashanah speech. Their commitment is vital for TBT’s survival.

On that note, I’d like to reiterate two key points from my Rosh Hashanah address. First, David Sack has generously agreed to lead the final phase of TBT’s capital campaign, helping us reach our goal. For those unfamiliar, David is the son of Ed and Gloria Sack, of blessed memory. Ed was deeply involved in our financial matters and always focused on our future. David and his team will be reaching out to you, so I encourage you to engage with them—pick up the phone, respond to emails, and have conversations about our renovations and TBT’s financial future. Your involvement is crucial for the long-term success of our congregation. We are also looking for more volunteers to assist in this effort, so if you're interested, please reach out to me for more information.

Second, I want to address the need to reimagine and modernize TBT’s financial structure, a challenge we've discussed for over a decade. What does reimagining TBT’s finances mean? It involves creating a new model for membership and engagement. This fiscal year, excluding the preschool, our budget is approximately $800,000. The cost to run TBT per paying member household is about $3,000, while the average membership dues are around $2,500, resulting in a $500 deficit per member household. This gap is why we rely on our annual fund and charge for certain events, and it’s why dues have increased in recent years due to rising costs.

Many synagogues across the country have successfully restructured their financial models, and we will explore similar options. For instance, Kol Tikvah, a Reform congregation in Parkland, Florida, has developed a model called "Judaism My Way," allowing members to engage with the synagogue according to their individual needs while upholding shared values and financial flexibility. While I’m not yet sure if this model or another will suit TBT, we will investigate these possibilities in the coming months and years.

Dr. Alan Friedman will lead a special task force to explore how we can modernize TBT’s engagement and membership. This task force will focus on welcoming members of all ages, backgrounds, and family structures, especially as many Jews along the shoreline remain unaffiliated. They will ensure that any new ideas sustain TBT for years to come. If you’re interested in shaping TBT’s future, please reach out to me to join this important initiative.

So, this is my way of recognizing the good. There is so much more I could say, but for now, this is plenty. Have a happy Thanksgiving, filled with family, friends, and football, and don’t forget to share your hakarat ha’tov; it might just brighten someone’s day.

As a fun aside, the Hebrew word for turkey is tarnegol Hodu (India chicken). It’s unclear whether this name came from turkeys reaching the Jewish community via India or from some historical confusion. Regardless, it’s often shortened to simply Hodu, which means both "India" and "thanks," as in Hodu L’Adonai ki tov. So, the bird we enjoy on Thanksgiving is literally known in Hebrew as "thanks." How fitting!

Josh Broder,
TBT President

President's Column - October 2024

Hello TBT Community,

In Jewish tradition, the concept of repentance is known as teshuvah, a Hebrew word meaning “return.” One of the Hebrew terms for sin is chet, which signifies “going astray.” Therefore, in Jewish thought, repentance is viewed as returning to the path of righteousness.

Although teshuvah can be performed at any time, the High Holiday season, particularly Yom Kippur, is regarded as a special period for this process. According to Maimonides, repentance involves three key steps: confession, regret, and a commitment not to repeat the misdeed. A true penitent, Maimonides teaches, is someone who, when faced with the same temptation, refrains from committing the sin again. Additionally, prayer, charity, and fasting are believed to aid in gaining forgiveness.

Jewish tradition distinguishes between two categories of sin: sins against G-d and sins against others. Only sins against G-d can be atoned for through confession, regret, and a vow of change. However, sins against other people require not only personal repentance but also making amends — for example, offering restitution for a financial wrong and seeking the victim's forgiveness. It is up to us, as individuals, to forgive one another for personal wrongs; even G-d cannot force forgiveness between people.

In the spirit of this tradition, I want to ask forgiveness from anyone I may have wronged over the past year, whether knowingly or unintentionally. I also offer forgiveness to those who may have wronged me, hoping that in this new year of 5785, we can all strive, as Maimonides suggests, to be the kind of person who chooses not to repeat past mistakes.

On a personal level, I want to focus on becoming a better person in this new year. I hope to listen more and speak less, to be more patient and less impulsive, to think more deeply and assume less. I aim to be a better son, father, husband, brother, friend, colleague, and leader (especially here at TBT). Most of all, I want to begin the journey toward being the best version of myself.

In these challenging and uncertain times, I encourage each of you to reflect on ways you can grow in the coming year. I also hope that part of this growth involves becoming more engaged with TBT and the broader Jewish community. With antisemitism on the rise and hatred surrounding us, we need each other more than ever. Our TBT community is here to share in the joys and sorrows, to support each other through it all.

As we approach the High Holidays, the holiest time of the Jewish year, I wish all of you a happy, healthy, and sweet New Year. I look forward to celebrating and praying with you, and to connecting with each of you during these Days of Awe. May you be inscribed in the Book of Life this year, 5785.

Shana Tovah,
Josh Broder
President, Temple Beth Tikvah

President's Column - September 2024

Hello TBT Community,

I hope everyone had a wonderful summer filled with sun, fun, family, friends, and relaxation. It’s hard to believe how quickly the summer has flown by, but now it's time for football, cool evenings, and the start of a new school year—both secular and religious. The Jewish High Holidays are also just around the corner.

At TBT, we’re gearing up for a busy fall season. You might notice that our front offices have been refreshed with new paint and furniture, and we’re thrilled to welcome a new team member, Caroline Sereyko, our new Communications and Administrative Coordinator, who joined TBT on July 1st. If you haven’t had the chance to meet Caroline yet, please introduce yourself next time you’re at the synagogue.

This fall is packed with activities! We kick off on Friday, September 6th, with the installation service for our Temple Educator, Ira Wise. The service begins at 6 PM and will include some special guests, followed by a community dinner. We also have two Bar Mitzvahs coming up on September 7th and 14th. The TBT Religious School will start on Sunday, September 8th. Selichot services are scheduled for Saturday, September 28th, and the High Holidays will begin with Erev Rosh Hashanah services on October 2nd. We are excited to welcome back our amazing soloist from last year, Rachel Policar, who will be joining us for the holidays and on several other occasions throughout the year.

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, brings back fond memories from my childhood. Every year, my grandmother would send my brother and me a check with the instruction to buy new clothes for shul. She always wanted us to look and feel our best as we stood before G-d, seeking forgiveness and starting fresh for the new year. Just as the secular New Year is synonymous with resolutions, Rosh Hashanah should be no different. As we approach the year 5785, let’s all make resolutions to better ourselves, our families, our community, and the world.

Consider making a resolution to get more involved at TBT in whatever way makes the most sense for you. Volunteer your time by joining a committee, a task force, a Kesher group, or helping with a program. If you’re able, please contribute financially by donating to the capital campaign (to help pay down our debt from the recent renovation project), the annual fund, or any other TBT need. You can also offer a special skill that could benefit our community.

Years ago, I decided to join the TBT board to help make our small community a welcoming place for all Jews on the shoreline. We’re heading in the right direction, but we need your help to continue this journey. We’re looking for feedback and solutions from the entire congregation. Whether you’ve been a TBT member since the 1970s or just joined last week, we need you and we want to hear from you! If we all resolve to get involved in ways that work for us, I can only imagine the incredible progress our already amazing community will achieve.

I look forward to seeing everyone this fall and to continuing our work together to fulfill the vision of this community.

L'shalom,
Josh Broder

President's Column - Summer 2024

Dear TBT Family,

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Josh Broder, and I am deeply humbled and honored to begin my tenure as your President of Temple Beth Tikvah. Allow me to share a bit about myself and my journey to this momentous role.

I grew up in Waterbury, Connecticut, where my entire family has roots. My mother attended Temple Israel (Reform), and my father was a member of Beth El (Conservative), which is where I spent my formative years. Although Beth El no longer exists and has since been replaced by a Yeshivah, the memories and values instilled in me there remain vibrant.

My brother and I attended Ezra Academy, a Schechter day school in Woodbridge, CT (K-8), which profoundly shaped us both religiously and secularly. Our 8th grade class trips to Israel in the 1990s were particularly transformative. Inspired by seeing her sons receive a strong Jewish education, my mother, who grew up in the Reform Movement in the 1950s and early 1960s, had an adult Bat Mitzvah in her 40s. Remarkably, her tutor was Cantor Irving Pinsky, the same person who helped me prepare for my Bar Mitzvah in 1993.

After graduating from Ezra Academy, I attended Holy Cross High School in Waterbury. It was a stark contrast, as I was the only Jewish student there. This experience broadened my perspective, preparing me for the diverse world beyond the sheltered environment of Ezra.

I then pursued my studies at UConn, majoring in accounting. During my time there, I became an active member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity (AEPi). In my final year, I served as an undergraduate supreme governor on the international board of directors, visiting chapters nationwide and advocating for Jewish students' rights on college campuses. My involvement with AEPi continues to this day, and many of my closest friends are brothers from those memorable years in Storrs, CT.

In 2003, I began my career as a financial advisor with what was then American Express Financial Advisors, now Ameriprise Financial. Today, I own and run a large franchise called Centurion Wealth Management, with offices in Cheshire, North Haven, and Dayton, OH. Our team of 11 is dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial dreams.

On a personal note, my wife Alison and I were members of CBSRZ for five years before joining TBT in 2016, as our son Cooper prepared to start religious school. Cooper will become a Bar Mitzvah on September 7, later this year. We love traveling the world, and I enjoy sports, fast cars, and cooking for friends and family.

In Karen Goldberg’s last column as President of TBT, she mentioned Al Goldberg’s wise words: you don’t have to know how to do everything in this position; you just need to surround yourself with others who do and are willing to help. This philosophy guided me in assembling our new Board of Trustees for the next two years. We have a diverse and talented group—new to the board, new to the shul, younger, older, male, female—who will work together to make our community the best it can be.

TBT is a place where everyone feels welcome, without constraints to joining, where all are treated as equals, and our shared bond of Judaism unites us in faith, prayer, community, and love. I pledge to uphold these values and traditions and encourage everyone to get involved in ways that resonate with you—whether through committees, special events, religious school, preschool, adult education, Kesher groups. If there is something you feel is missing, please let me know so we can work together to make it a reality.

Thank you for your confidence in me. Please do not hesitate to reach out for anything you need moving forward.

Todah rabah meod (thank you very much)!

Warm regards,

Josh Broder, President, Temple Beth Tikvah

President's Column - June 2024

A Journey from Hope to Gratitude

The first time I addressed you during the High Holidays of 2022, I spoke about hope. At that time, our congregation was navigating significant changes and challenges: we had a new Rabbi, were seeking anew cantor-educator, and managing a major construction project that tested us at every turn. Services were held in various locations, we were stressed about raising money for our capital campaign, and construction obstacles led to delays and increased costs.

Despite these challenges, I held on to hope.

Dear Friends,

Today, in my final Shofar column as your President, I want to speak about gratitude.

Gratitude is a central theme in Judaism. As it says in Deuteronomy, "When you have eaten your fill and have built fine houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks have multiplied, and your silver and gold is multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied, do not exalt yourself, forgetting the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.… Do not say to yourself, 'My power and the might of my own hand have gained me this wealth.' "

At TBT over the past two years, we have indeed "eaten our fill"((with record attendance at the Legacy / Chai member dinner, the Passover Seder, and the Gala), rebuilt our fine house (with a beautiful sanctuary), grown our flock (increased membership by 40 families in the last 2 years), and multiplied our silver and gold (continued success of our capital campaign). I do not say "my power has gained me this wealth." Instead, I say Toda Raba (Thank you very much) to my family, to my synagogue community, and to G-d.

We have so much to be grateful for. Our building stands as a testament to our resilience, and our growing membership and vibrant programs reflect our community's vitality. Our religious school is flourishing under our new temple educator, Ira Wise, and our preschool, under the direction of Jen Casillo, is full with happy, well-loved, playful children. Our teens are attending BBYO events in large numbers, our b'nei mitzvahs have been doing beautifully, and our Rabbi is busy teaching, singing, leading services, and providing pastoral care. Our Chesed Committee is providing meals to the sick, helping with Shivas, and giving rides to our congregants. Our Kulanu Committee has been leading efforts to engage both our community and the interfaith community in important conversations about antisemitism. Our Kesher groups are active, with eight different affinity groups involving 60 congregants. We had a new members brunch with over 40 attendees. And, we are about to celebrate TBT at our first annual gala. The health ofour synagogue is strong.

TBT is strong because of all of you. It has been incredible to see so many of you step up when I have asked you to volunteer your time, expertise, and money.

Thank you to those who joined the board, even when you didn't want to.

Thank you to those who chaired different programs, despite your hesitations. Thank you to those who worked hard on our security committee.

Thank you to our members who have served on our search committees. Thank you to our party planners and decorating gurus.

Thank you to our committee members who make our services spiritual and beautiful and our programming rich and relevant.

Thank you to our parents who help improve our religious school and our preschool.

Thank you for caring about each other and stepping up to be with each other at all of life's moments - joyful and painful.

And thank you to our amazing staff: Rabbi Moss, Ira Wise, Jen Casillo, Kim Romine, Chris Lancio, Herman Solivan, and our Preschool and Religious School Teachers. None of us would be here without you. Thank you for all you do.

I remember telling Al Goldberg, when he asked me to consider being president, that I couldn't because I knew nothing about finance or creating a temple budget. He replied that I didn’t need to know how to do each piece of the job; I just needed to surround myself with people who do. That was great advice, and I am so thankful to all of you who have made these two years successful. It is challenging to be a temple president, but it has also been fulfilling and joyful.

Gratitude fills my heart as I reflect on our journey together.

Our congregation embodies resilience, community, caring, and faith.
I am profoundly honored and thankful to have served as your president.

Karen Goldberg, Temple President

President's Column - April 2024

Dear TBT Family,

With the arrival of spring, we are greeted with the gentle warmth of the sun and the promise of new beginnings. For me, this season signifies the blossoming of flowers in my garden, the return of geese to the lake, and the anticipation of celebrating Passover together as a community. It fills my heart with joy to announce that after our time in exile, because we are back in our beloved building, we will be gathering for a Seder on April 26th. (RSVP here)

I hold wonderful memories of my dear friend Sharon Besser, may her name be for blessing, who tirelessly organized this Seder for many years. I can only imagine her delight in knowing that we are continuing this cherished tradition once more.

Passover holds a special place in our hearts as it commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from the horrors of slavery in ancient Egypt. It stands as a testament to the unwavering faith, resilience, and divine intervention that guided our ancestors through those dark hours. As we observe Passover, we are reminded of our journey from bondage to freedom and the enduring values of faith, perseverance, and justice that have sustained us through the ages.

The Seder not only allows us to come together with our families, friends, and fellow members of the TBT community, but also serves as a time for introspection and reflection. It is an opportunity to deepen our connection to our rich heritage, express gratitude for our blessings, and strengthen the bonds that unite us as a sacred community.

In the spirit of Passover, may we find renewal, inspiration, and strength in our shared traditions and experiences. I extend a heartfelt invitation to each one of you to join us as we break Matzah together and celebrate the blessings of freedom and community.

I am deeply grateful to the Passover Seder Committee, comprising Kate Lee and Jon Katz as chairs, along with Nancy Rosen, David Rosen, and Gloria Kindman, for their dedicated efforts in ensuring that this evening will be both beautiful and meaningful. Your hard work and commitment are truly appreciated.

Chag Pesach Sameach – may this Passover be filled with joy, meaning, and abundant blessings for us all. Karen Goldberg

President's Column - February 2024

Dear TBT Family,

Last week there was a New York Times Opinion piece entitled “Train Yourself to Always Show Up.” It caught my attention not only because this is one of my life’s mottos but also because it referenced the Mishnah. The text Middot 2:2 describes a ritual from the time of the Second Temple. Thousands of Jews would climb to the Temple Mount and walk in a circle in the plaza. Most people would walk counterclockwise. Meanwhile, the people suffering would make this same ritual walk but they would walk in the opposite direction, clockwise. This way the downtrodden would get comforted by the other people passing them. Those who walked counterclockwise would offer a blessing: “May the Holy One comfort you. You are not alone,” and then would continue to walk until the next person approached.

How proud I am to be a descendent from a tradition like this. Our ancestors understood the transformative power of our presence in the lives of others. In a world that is constantly buzzing with activity, it’s easy to get caught up in our own hectic schedules and responsibilities. However, our souls are enriched when we extend ourselves beyond our personal sphere and embrace the opportunity to support and uplift one another. In times of joy, our presence magnifies the celebration; in times of sorrow, it provides a comforting embrace. The simple act of showing up for someone can make a world of difference.

Our Chesed committee is working to create a community of caring for our fellow congregants. We want to create a culture not only of helping those in need, but also the expectation that if something difficult happens, you call the temple, you reach out, you let us know that you need care. I am sure that many of us are willing to step up to help. I suspect that the more difficult challenge for our congregation will be to ask for help. In our fiercely independent society, it feels weak to admit we are suffering. I, however, would say that it takes great strength to reach out when you need a helping hand. We all must learn to both give and receive.

In this spirit, you will all be receiving an invitation to sign up on a platform called Helping Hands. This does not commit you to do anything. It will just allow us to email you when the Chesed committee identifies a need. It may be for rides, visiting a sick congregant, making food for a mourner, etc. I hope to get a great response from our devoted community.

I will end the way I began, with the ritual from our ancient text. Sometimes we will walk counter clockwise but there will be times when we walk against the current. I pray that TBT, our Jewish tribe, can support us while we walk the walk.

L’Shalom,

Karen