Sustain the Moments That Matter

As the year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what a privilege it is to serve Temple Beth-El. 

As Executive Director, I hold a unique vantage point on Temple life. I see the full mosaic of our community—often behind the scenes—in ways that differ from our clergy, staff, volunteers, and members. 

I see the quiet moments before High Holy Day services begin. I watch new families step into our beautiful Wulfe Sanctuary for the first time. I witness the joyful chaos of celebrations and the tender moments that arise during personal crisis. 

I see resilience. I see generosity offered without fanfare. Each day, I witness how deeply people care for one another. 

I see B’nai Mitzvah students grow in confidence, families mark milestones, and a community show up for each other. None of this happens by accident. 

It happens because people believe Temple matters—and choose to invest in it. 

My vantage point also gives me this certainty: a congregation that shows up for people in moments of joy, sadness, triumph, and crisis must be supported long before those moments arrive. When we give, we make it possible for Temple to be there—not only when we need it, but for those who will need it next. 

As our Temple President, Mark Eichelbaum, noted on Rosh Hashanah Eve: 

That is the way a congregation works. That is the way a congregation thrives. 

As we approach the end of the calendar year, I invite you to consider making a year-end gift or increasing your commitment to Temple.

Your generosity sustains the moments I’ve been fortunate to witness—for those who need us today, for those who will walk through our doors in 2026, and for all who seek a place to cultivate their Jewish lives in the years ahead. 

Every contribution, at every level, is a choice—one that says: Temple is worth sustaining. 

Thank you for being part of this remarkable year, and for all the ways—seen and unseen—that you help shape who we are. After all, We Are Temple Beth-El. 

Help Us Sustain The Moments That Matter

-Eric Ryniker

Executive Director

12/23/25