President's Column - Summer 2026

Dear Temple Beth Tikvah family,

My name is Jodie Ambrosino, and I am honored to write to you as your new President. Many of you know me in my role as cantorial soloist where I co-lead services with my husband Stu Weinzimer (also a former TBT president). We have two daughters, Becca and Ellie, who grew up at TBT. I have been a member of this warm and welcoming community for 24 years; it is where I found my spiritual home.

My thoughts for this Shofar column came to me as I was returning from four amazing days with Stu at Hava Nashira, the premier Jewish song leader conference. We attended it for the first time this spring at OSRUI, the URJ summer camp in Oconomowoc, WI. Who knew that I would be going to Jewish sleepaway camp for the first time at 58!!

Hava Nashira was transformational. At OSRUI, Stu and I moved through rooms that hummed with the unforgettable music of Jewish song leaders like Debbie Friedman (z”l; may her memory be for a blessing), and Jeff Klepper (who roomed across from us). We created swells of harmonies alongside cantors and Jewish music giants like Cantor Rosalie Will, Eliana Light, Batya Levine, Elana Arian, Rabbi Noah Diamondstein, Cantor Natalie Young, Jacob “Spike” Kraus, and Eric Hunker. The resonance of guitars and pianos with hundreds of voices in songful prayer created a sacred space. As your president, I look forward to bringing some of this music to you.

Earlier this spring, I attended the Scheidt Seminar, a URJ led conference for new synagogue presidents. There were profound moments of connection as I talked with other incoming presidents about creating sacred partnerships with our clergy and one another. Unfortunately, there were also reminders of the fragility of our Jewish communities, with many congregations closing their doors or merging due to lack of membership and financial instability. Even Hebrew Union College, the premier educational institution for our clergy, had to close one of its campuses and consolidate its services.

Temple Beth Tikvah, however, is thriving with sacred spaces of connection. Sometimes these connections occur during weekly Shabbat services or Torah study. Other times, during a special event when we welcome a young child to our community, comfort mourners, or open our doors to a new scholar or musician who broadens our thinking and musical experience. I look forward to collaborating with our Leadership Council in creating the diverse programming that makes TBT resonate with the energy that invites people in.

With more than 300 member households, our congregation is also making remarkable financial progress. Our generous congregation has to date donated over 80% of the total cost of our building project. I am hopeful that ALL together we can clear the remaining $2.3 million in debt with the dollar-for-dollar $1 million match that was announced in the spring. Every gift counts toward the match now through just after the High Holy Days.

TBT has its Golden 50th Anniversary this year! The Board of Trustees is creatively planning celebrations for this jubilee that tell our story and honor the founding members who envisioned and established this House of Hope. TBT is OUR community so dream with me and share your ideas for how we can make this a momentous occasion culminating on MAY 8, 2027!

This fall, we will welcome a new and talented cantorial soloist, Amy Maude Helfer, to partner with Rabbi Moss, Walter Stutzman, and the choir for the High Holy Days. A few months later, author and podcast host, Mark Oppenheimer will join us as Scholar-in- Residence. Jen Casillo will open a new toddler program within our Preschool, and Ira Wise will welcome back our Religious School teachers who inspire our youth to love being Jewish. These are just some of the highlights. Keep your eye on the calendar which is regularly updated on our website!

I am truly humbled to have earned the trust to serve as your President, and deeply grateful to the gifted Board of Trustees and Leadership Council for their commitment to serve alongside me. Together, we will work hard to ensure that TBT is safe for the kind of open and honest dialogue that is essential to our being sacred partners and effective stewards of our vibrant Jewish community.

Please note that future president’s columns may be shorter on words. Sometimes, you may only

receive a recorded song and musical message that I feel could be far more moving than anything I can write or just fun to listen to! Forthis, my first Shofar, I share with you Hinei Ma Tov by Elena Arian (listen here), which I learned at Hava Nashira and recorded with Stu, my favorite accompanist!! It underscores how wonderful it is for us to be together. I truly look forward to “gathering with you in peace, in joy,” and as one community.

L’shalom,

Jodie M. Ambrosino
TBT President

President's Column - June 2026

Dear Friends,

As I write this final column as President of Temple Beth Tikvah, I find myself returning to a teaching that has guided me more times than I can count: “It is not incumbent upon you to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” Those words from Pirkei Avot have been a steady companion throughout these past two years, a reminder that leadership is never about finishing everything, but about moving the community forward with purpose, integrity, and heart.

Looking back, I am filled with gratitude for what we have accomplished together. We embraced a new era of governance, operating for the first time under our streamlined Board of Trustees. We strengthened our membership, growing to more than 300 households, a milestone that speaks to the warmth and meaning people find here. We expanded our programming, deepened our learning, celebrated Jewish life in all its forms, and launched new initiatives like our Israel Committee and our first-ever Israel Day.

Our schools continued to thrive, with nearly 100 students in our religious school and a preschool so vibrant it often has a waiting list. And after years of uncertainty, we settled our construction lawsuit and made real progress toward financial stability.

And then came the moment I announced at our Annual Meeting, a moment that still takes my breath away: a $1,000,000 matching campaign that gives us the chance to enter our 50th anniversary year nearly debt free. It is a generational opportunity, and one that will shape the next half century of Jewish life at TBT. I hope each of you will participate in whatever way you can. Every gift matters. Every gift is doubled. Every gift moves us closer to a future defined not by what we owe, but by what we can build.

But beyond the milestones, what I will remember most are the people. Our extraordinary staff, Kim, Shari, Rabbi Moss, Ira, Jen Casillo, Chris, and Herman, who bring this building to life every single day. Our teachers who nurture our children with such devotion. Our volunteers. Our Board of Trustees, who embraced change with courage and led with wisdom. And all of you, the members of this community, who show up, give generously of yourselves, and make TBT the sacred home that it is.

Leadership is never a solo act. It is a partnership, a privilege, and, at its best, an expression of love. Serving as your president has been all of those things for me.

As I prepare to pass the torch on June 30, I do so with deep pride and even deeper optimism. TBT is strong. TBT is growing. TBT is ready for its 50th year, and for the next 50 after that.

Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for believing in what this community can be.

May we continue, together, to build a future worthy of the generations who will follow.

B’shalom,
Josh Broder, TBT President

President's Column - May 2026

Dear Friends,

As we move through May, we find ourselves deep in the Omer, that stretch of time between Passover and Shavuot when we count each day with intention. After the dramatic crossing of the sea, the Israelites didn’t arrive at Sinai overnight. They walked. They waited. They prepared themselves for revelation one day at a time.

There’s something beautifully honest about that. Transformation doesn’t happen in a single moment; it unfolds through steady steps, small choices, and the quiet work of showing up. And this spring, our community has shown up in extraordinary ways.

In April, we gathered for what may have been our largest Temple Passover Seder ever, more than 120 people, spanning multiple generations, sharing stories, songs, and a sense of belonging that filled the room. Watching grandparents, parents, teens, and young children experience the Seder side by side was a powerful reminder of what it means to be a Jewish community rooted in tradition and open to all who walk through our doors. It was joyful, warm, and deeply meaningful. Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening so special.

April also brought moments of celebration and connection in the wider Jewish world. We marked Yom HaShoah, a time of remembrance, and Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, a time to honor the resilience, creativity, and spirit of a place that lives deeply in the hearts of Jews everywhere. In early May comes Lag BaOmer, that joyful pause in the Omer that reminds us that even in seasons of reflection, there is room for light, music, and community. I still think back to the Lag BaOmer celebrations of my childhood, the games, the camaraderie, the sense of belonging, and I’m reminded how powerful Jewish joy can be when we experience it together.

This month also marks a season of transitions. Our students are finishing their school year, our b’nai mitzvah families are celebrating milestones, and our teachers, clergy, and volunteers continue to nurture Jewish learning with such devotion. I am grateful for every person who helps our young people grow into confident, curious, and connected Jews. On May 21, I hope you will join us for our Shavuot / Confirmation service when we celebrate the giving of Torah on Mount Sinai and celebrate our confirmands.

I also want to invite you to our Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 6 at 7:00pm. This gathering is more than a formality; it is a moment to reflect on the year behind us, to look ahead with clarity and hope, and to engage in the shared stewardship of our synagogue. This year, we will also be voting on a full new slate of candidates for the Board of Trustees, an important step in shaping the leadership that will guide TBT into the future. Your presence and your vote truly matter.

As we count our way toward Shavuot, toward the moment when we stood together at Sinai, may we continue to make each day count. May we find meaning in the steps we take, strength in the community we build, and purpose in the journey we share.

B’shalom,
Josh Broder, TBT President

President's Column - April 2026

Crossing Into Spring, Crossing Into Freedom

Dear Friends,

As April arrives, we find ourselves standing at the threshold of Passover, a holiday that invites us to remember not only the journey from slavery to freedom, but the courage it takes to step into the unknown. The rabbis teach that the Sea of Reeds did not part until one person, Nachshon, walked forward into the water. Only then did a path open for the entire community.

That image feels especially powerful this year. Passover reminds us that transformation rarely happens all at once. It unfolds through small acts of faith, shared steps, and the strength we draw from one another.

I hope you are joining us for our Temple Passover Seder on Friday, April 3. This communal Seder is one of the most beautiful expressions of who we are, welcoming, joyful, and deeply connected. There is something profoundly moving about gathering around the Seder table as one community, lifting our voices in the ancient story that continues to shape us.

Before we turn fully toward Passover, I want to express heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinary energy and generosity you brought to our Third Annual Gala & Auction. What a night. The room was filled with laughter, connection, and a palpable sense of pride in our synagogue’s future. Events like this don’t just happen, they are built with love, creativity, and countless hours of dedication.

A special thank you goes to our Gala Chair, Dayna Brandoff, and to the entire Gala Committee. Their vision and hard work created an evening that was not only successful, but truly unforgettable. I am deeply grateful for their leadership and for every person who donated, bid, volunteered, or simply showed up to celebrate our community.

And speaking of celebrations: next year, in May 2027, Temple Beth Tikvah will mark its 50th anniversary, a remarkable milestone for our congregation. Our 2027 Gala will be shaped around this momentous occasion, honoring our history, our growth, and the generations who have built TBT into the community we cherish today. More details and dates will be shared in the months ahead, but if you are interested in being part of the planning process for this special anniversary Gala, I would love to hear from you. Please reach out to me directly at joshbroder@hotmail.com.

And now, spring is finally beginning to reveal itself, slowly, tentatively, but unmistakably. There is something fitting about celebrating Passover at this moment of renewal. As the world around us begins to bloom, we are reminded that freedom is not just a historical memory; it is an ongoing invitation to grow, to imagine, and to begin again.

May this season bring you lightness, hope, and the joy of gathering with those you love.
May the story of Passover inspire each of us to take our own steps toward freedom, and may we continue to walk this path together as a community rooted in care, tradition, and possibility.

Chag Pesach Sameach,

Josh Broder
TBT President

President's Column - March 2026

Dear Friends,

As we enter March, we find ourselves approaching one of the most spirited and surprising moments in the Jewish year: Purim, which we will celebrate on Monday, March 2 at 6:30 PM. Purim is a holiday of masks and merriment, but beneath the costumes lies a profound teaching about what it means to reveal our truest selves.

The rabbis point out that the Megillah is filled with hiddenness, G-d’s name never appears, Esther conceals her identity, and the turning points of the story unfold quietly, almost imperceptibly. Yet Purim is also a holiday of revelation. Esther ultimately steps forward, choosing to be fully seen at the moment it matters most. Her courage reminds us that sometimes the most powerful transformations begin when we allow what is hidden to come into the light.

That message feels especially resonant in our community right now.

Over the past months, I’ve watched so many of you reveal your own gifts, your time, your creativity, your presence, your generosity. Some of these contributions are public; many happen quietly, behind the scenes. But together, they shape the vibrant, welcoming, resilient synagogue we are building every day. Like the Purim story itself, our strength emerges from the countless acts of commitment that might not always be visible, but are always deeply felt.

And of course, Purim is also a time for pure, unfiltered joy. I’m already looking forward to celebrating with all of you at our Megillah reading, with my large, homemade wooden grogger that I crafted as a child. It has survived many moves, many Purims, and more than a few enthusiastic spins. I’m thrilled that our cantorial soloist, Rachel Policar, will be joining us that evening, bringing her incredible spirit and energy to our celebration.

This month also brings an opportunity to carry that joy and connection into another cornerstone of our community life. On Saturday, March 21 at 6:30 PM, we will gather for our 3rd Annual TBT Gala Celebration & Auction. This evening has quickly become one of the highlights of our year, a night filled with laughter, community, and the unmistakable energy that makes TBT feel like home.

The gala is also essential to our financial health. The funds raised help sustain our synagogue and support our programming. If you are able to contribute an auction item, a vacation home, tickets, a special experience, or something uniquely yours, your generosity will make a meaningful difference. And of course, I hope you will join us for the celebration itself. It is a night that captures the very best of who we are. Details and registration can be seen here.

Purim teaches that joy is not a distraction from responsibility; it is a pathway to it. When we laugh together, when we gather in celebration, when we choose to show up for one another, we strengthen the bonds that carry us through every season.

As we prepare for Purim and look ahead to our gala, may we each find the courage of Esther, the generosity of Mordechai, and the joy that comes from being part of something larger than ourselves. May this month reveal new possibilities for connection, purpose, and hope.

Chag Purim Sameach, and I look forward to celebrating with you throughout this meaningful month.

B’shalom,

Josh Broder, TBT President

President's Column - February 2026

Dear Friends,

As we step into February, I’ve been returning to a teaching from Parashat Beshalach, the portion we read on Shabbat Shirah. On January 30, we gather to celebrate that Shabbat of Song, the moment when our ancestors crossed the Sea of Reeds and responded not with relief alone, but with music, gratitude, and courage.

There’s a midrash that teaches that the sea did not split all at once. It opened only when one person, Nachshon ben Aminadav, stepped forward into the water. His willingness to move, even when the path was unclear, created the possibility of liberation for everyone else.

That image has stayed with me.

So much of synagogue life, and Jewish life, depends on those small, brave steps. Showing up for Shabbat.

Trying a new class. Volunteering for a committee. Welcoming a new member. Reaching out to someone you haven’t seen in a while. None of these actions is dramatic on its own, but together they create the kind of community where renewal is possible.

And I’ve been seeing that spirit everywhere at TBT. January was filled with energy, new faces joining us, longtime members reconnecting, and a sense of momentum that feels both steady and hopeful. It’s a reminder that community is not something we simply have; it’s something we continually build.

Looking ahead, we have an important opportunity to keep strengthening that foundation. On March 21, we will gather for our 3rd Annual TBT Gala Celebration and Auction. As I shared last month, this evening is not only joyful, it is essential. The funds raised help sustain our synagogue’s financial health, ensuring that our beautiful home remains strong for the next generation.

If you are able to contribute an auction item, a vacation home, tickets, a special experience, or something unique, your generosity will make a real impact. And if you’ve never participated before, this is a wonderful year to take that first step. Like Nachshon, sometimes all it takes is one person moving forward to open the way for others.

Finally, even as we nurture our local community, our hearts remain with those still waiting for safety, healing, and homecoming. Holding them in our thoughts deepens our sense of shared responsibility and reminds us that the Jewish story is always larger than any one moment or place.

This February, may we each find our own small step forward, toward connection, toward learning, toward generosity, toward one another. May we continue to rise together, adding light, strength, and hope to our community.

B’shalom,
Josh Broder, TBT President

President's Column - January 2026

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

President's Column - December 2025

The rabbis teach that when we light the menorah, we are not only recalling the miracle of oil that lasted eight days, but also affirming that our role is to bring light into the world. Each flame represents hope, resilience, and dedication. Chanukah reminds us that even in times of challenge, a single spark can ignite great change.

When I was a kid at Ezra Academy, one of my favorite traditions was our annual Chanukah program. The students put on skits, sang songs, performed dances, and shared stories, all centered on the holiday. The entire community came together, dressed up for the occasion, and filled the room with joy. And of course, no Chanukah program was complete without latkes hot off the griddle, sufganiyot dusted with sugar, and plenty of gelt for dreidel games.Those nights taught me that Chanukah is not only about miracles, it’s about community, celebration, and the light we create together.

This year, Temple Beth Tikvah will shine brighter than ever. On Wednesday, December 17th, we will kindle our first large outdoor menorah in a special ceremony. This new tradition will be a beacon of Jewish pride and resilience, visible to all who pass by, and a powerful reminder that our light endures.

Then, on Friday, December 19th, we gather for one of TBT’s most beloved traditions: our annual all-congregation Chanukah celebration, menorah lighting, and brisket cook-off dinner. It is an evening filled with laughter, delicious food, light, and the joy of celebrating together as one family.

As we enjoy these moments of light and warmth, I invite you to also join in sustaining our future. Our Secure the Future capital campaign continues to move forward, with the goal of retiring the remaining debt from our renovation. Just as each candle strengthens the glow of the menorah, each contribution strengthens the foundation of our community.

Let us come together this Chanukah season, at the menorah lighting, at the brisket cook-off, and in support of our campaign, to ensure that Temple Beth Tikvah remains a place of light, learning, and love for generations to come.

Chag Urim Sameach,

Josh Broder
President, Temple Beth Tikvah

President's Column - November 2025

As the autumn leaves fall and the days grow shorter, November invites us to reflect, not just on gratitude, but on legacy. In Jewish tradition, legacy isn’t measured solely in material terms. It’s found in the values we uphold, the stories we tell, and the communities we nurture. Pirkei Avot teaches, “It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” That resonates deeply as we continue shaping the future of TBT.

This month, I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to deepen our learning and connection through our Scholar-in-Residence program, taking place November 7–9. We’re honored to welcome Yardena Schwartz, an award-winning journalist and documentary producer whose work explores the intersection of Jewish identity, politics, and culture. Her insights promise to challenge, inspire, and enrich our understanding of the world and our place in it. I encourage everyone to attend and engage—this is a rare and meaningful opportunity for our congregation.

Legacy also lives in the work we’re doing to secure TBT’s future. From the capital campaign led by David Sack, to the task force headed by Dr. Alan Friedman, we’re not just maintaining, we’re reimagining. These efforts are about more than finances; they’re about ensuring that TBT remains a spiritual home for generations to come.

And here’s where each of us plays a role. Whether through a contribution to the capital campaign to help retire our debt, or a legacy gift in your estate planning, your support becomes part of TBT’s enduring story. It’s a way to say: I was here. I believed in this community. I helped it thrive. I want to ensure its existence forever.

If you’re ready to be part of that legacy, I encourage you to reach out to David Sack at 917-744- 3503 or dsack1234@aol.com, or to Sabrina Maurer, our Director of Development and Financial Planning, at 215-620-8427 or sabrinalmaurer@gmail.com. They’ll be happy to talk with you about how your gift, large or small, can make a lasting impact.

I also want to extend a heartfelt welcome to the many new members who have joined TBT over the past few months. Your presence brings fresh energy and new perspectives to our community, and we’re so glad you’re here. To our longtime members: I encourage you to reach out, connect, and help us continue growing. If you know someone looking for a spiritual home, invite them to experience what makes TBT so special. Every new member strengthens our future.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I invite you to reflect not only on what you’re grateful for, but on what you’re building. What part of your story will live on in this community? How can we, together, ensure that TBT continues to be a place of warmth, meaning, and belonging?

Wishing you a season filled with learning, connection, and purpose.

Warmly,
Josh Broder
President of TBT ‘s Board of Directors

President's Column - October 2025

Renewal, Reflection, and Connection: Stepping into October Together

As we move into October, we carry with us the spiritual energy of the High Holy Days. Rosh Hashanah invited us to reflect on the past year and envision who we want to be in the year ahead. Yom Kippur reminds us of the power of forgiveness and the importance of repairing relationships, with ourselves, with others, and with G-d. And as we cast our sins into the water at Tashlich, we symbolically let go of the burdens we’ve carried, making space for growth, renewal, and joy.

October also ushers in Sukkot, the festival of joy and gratitude. In the sukkah, we are reminded that security is fleeting and that life’s richness comes from community, hospitality, and connection. As we shake the lulav and etrog, we celebrate the beauty of the natural world and the blessings that surround us every day. Simchat Torah, which concludes this season, brings exuberant dancing with the Torah scrolls, emphasizing that joy and celebration are essential to our spiritual lives.

These holidays teach us something profound: Judaism is a balance of reflection and action, of contemplation and celebration. It is not enough to feel; we are called to act. Our traditions encourage us to turn inward and grow spiritually, but also to reach outward, to care for our neighbors, to build community, and to share our gifts.

At TBT, that balance comes alive every day. Our Chesed Committee connects members who can lend a hand with those who could use support. Our Social Justice initiatives, like the High Holiday Food Drive, remind us that helping others is central to our faith. And our Kesher Groups, Israel Committee, and learning programs, like Scholar in Residence, offer spaces to connect, learn, and grow together. Every service, program, and volunteer opportunity is a chance to live the values of our tradition in tangible ways.

As we move through October, I invite you to step more fully into our community:
- Join a Kesher Group such as singing, cooking, hiking, or others. Or, start one around your passion. You can learn more HERE.
- Attend Sukkot and Simchat Torah celebrations, and bring a friend or family member to share in the joy.
- Volunteer with Chesed or participate in Social Justice initiatives to help neighbors in need.
- Learn with us, come to a Torah study, a lecture, or a Scholar-in-Residence event.
- Give to TBT, of your time and resources to help strengthen our Jewish community on the shoreline.

Every connection you make strengthens TBT, and every act of participation enriches your own spiritual life.

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, may this season of reflection, celebration, and renewal inspire you to reach inward and outward, embracing both growth and joy.

Shanah Tovah u’Metukah, and Chag Sameach!

Josh Broder, TBT President