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