Making the Choice to be here.
- aarrington547
- Jul 1, 2025
- 2 min read
Choosing membership at Temple is an intentional act of belonging. It’s a commitment to a place, to a people - and a purpose. When I deliver a membership report to our Board of Trustees, I do so with immense pride—because our new members are living out the intentions and values that brought them here.
They’re enrolling in Beit Midrash, attending Shabbat services, volunteering, studying Torah, building friendships—and becoming the friend someone else was hoping to find.
This is Jewish community, this IS Temple Beth-El. Since beginning my professional journey at Temple Beth-El last year, I've had the privilege of welcoming 64 new households to our sacred community. Each person or family arrived with their own unique reasons for joining-but they all share something powerful: they made the choice to be here.
As new members join our community, we’ve streamlined the process—most now set up recurring payments, ensuring steady support. They also recognize the importance of contributing to the Security and COFR Funds, vital to our safety, upkeep, and long-term strength.
As we begin our new fiscal year (2025–2026), I invite you to take a moment to log in to the secure form linked below and review your Annual Commitment. Your support provides nearly half of the funding that makes Temple Beth-El possible.
In addition to your Annual Commitment, you'll also see two key fees:
Security Fee – a $144 annual contribution that helps keep our sacred space safe.
COFR Fee – a $240 annual contribution that supports the maintenance of our building and cemeteries.
Currently, close to $120,000 in these fees will go uncollected across active member households this year, as those fees are not billed to their accounts. I encourage you to ensure you are contributing these vital fees.
Whether you joined Temple decades ago or just recently, your presence is a choice—and your support is essential. The strength of our community depends on all of us.
Our strength is so special, and the math is so simple - if each of us increase our commitment and ensure these fees are up to date, our “We Are Temple Beth-El” campaign will reach its goal. Together, we can build a strong and sustainable future.
-Aliyah Kuchinsky
Director of Philanthropy & Member Engagement
7/1/25
