We Are Temple Beth-El
Our Annual Fundraising Campaign 2025-2026
Our Temple is more than a house of prayer. It is a place of learning and a place of caring-- a physical manifestation of the holiness we each bring to the world. That holiness is felt most keenly in the moments of ‘betweenness’ we share. When we turn to face each other, when we listen with open hearts, when we celebrate each other’s simchas and mourn each other’s losses, when we welcome each other with love and respect- despite our differences, and our imperfections, God’s presence dwells in us and among us.
In a world where uncertainty and chaos are ever present, being part of our congregational family feels more important than ever. As we prepare to gather for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, welcoming the Jewish New Year of 5786, consider how you can do your part to strengthen the physical and spiritual sanctuary that is Temple Beth-El. Whether you make a one-time gift or increase your annual commitment, your investment will insure the continued flourishing of our sacred community.
- Rabbi Mara Nathan
Make an Impact Today
Your gift to the “We Are Temple Beth-El” initiative provides immediate support for our community. Pledges can be made in full or in installments, at a level that feels joyful and comfortable. Every contribution makes a difference—our goal is 100% participation.
Build a Path for Tomorrow
Provide long-term stability by increasing your financial commitment and making a two-year pledge. Your support—at the fair share level of $3,200 or more, including COFR and Security Fees—helps Temple plan ahead with confidence.
Establish a Legacy Forever
Leave a lasting legacy through a bequest, helping to sustain Temple Beth-El’s endowment and secure Jewish life for current and future generations. Your gift ensures meaningful experiences that connect our community to one another and to something greater.
Thank you to those who have increased their Annual Membership commitment or who have made a Gift to "We Are Temple Beth-El"
Also included below are those who have adjusted Security and/or COFR fees or are now covering credit card fees (as of 9/16/25)
If you have any questions, please contact Aliyah Kuchinsky at 210-733-9135 x109 or akuchinsky@beth-elsa.org
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Sandra and Steven Alexander
Ann Astleford
Amber Liddell Alwais and Randy Alwais
Claudia and Donald Bankler
Elizabeth Bettelheim Family Foundation
Henry Berez
Laurel and Jared Bluntzer
Sara and James Botello
Marjorie Brody
Irene Burns
Clay Callaway
Isaiah Carolin
Pam and Bob Cohen
Gabrielle Conlee
Hazel Davis and Nathan Anderson
Terry and Russell Davis
Clarance Dickinson and Calvin Hammock
Jennifer and Mark Eichelbaum
Marlene and Mel Eichelbaum
Jennifer and Rob Eichelbaum
Anna Falkenberg
Sarah and Timothy Flotte
Carly and Duncan Friedman
Mark Friedman
Jody and Jack Fries
Kristin and Bregger Garrison
Robin Getter
Terry Glaser
Laura and Milton Glueck
Elizabeth and Stephen Golden
Ceci and Michael Goldstone
Ilene Greene
Danna and Jim Halff
Jacob and Travis Hampton
Linda Harris
Sharon Hellman-Freiberg
Efosa Idusuyi
Mark Ingram and Trent Boarnet
Linda Kaufman
Stephen and Elaine Kovner
Gayle and Ronald Kipp
Martin Kushner
Nancy and Morris Kirschberg
Judy Lachman
Andrew Leos
Ann and Hank Lipsitt
Robin Long
Mina López
Patricia and Charles Marcus
Richard Martinez
Judy and William Montville
Jeffrey and Barbara Moss
Cassidy Luitjen and Eric Minoff
Mitchell Kaliff and Bruce Smiley-Kaliff
Michel Munguia and Mark Kapner
Sandy Nachman
nathalie
Ann and Roger Ojeda
Lauren and Jason O'Krent
David Palans
Georgia Piez
Harriet and David Pinansky
Lauri and Richard Pollak
Charlotte and Robert Pollock
Lauri and Mark Porter
Jerry Rehmar
Rachel and David Rogoff
Jeffrey Rollman
Debbie and Marty Roos
Rachael and David Rubenstein
Drs. Lauren Sadowsky and Hunter Phillips
Julie and Edward Sankary
Leonard Shefts
AnnDee and James Steidel
Kay and Dennis Stein
Lori and Adam Stockstiel
Rabbi Samuel and Lynn Stahl
Susan Susser and Albert McCall
Joanna and Bruce Turbow
Daniel Vela
Bette and Jack Vexler
Jeff and Catherine Vexler
Ethel and Richard Wayne
Brian and Tina Weiner
Ann Winer
Marcia Goren Weser
Sylvia Wolff
Staff Testimonials
Rabbi Mara Nathan
Senior Rabbi
Help Our Sacred Community Flourish
And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them. - Exodus 25:8
God speaks these words to Moses as the Israelites plan to construct the Mishkan or Tabernacle- the portable sanctuary that they will take with them during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. The Hebrew phrase v’shachanti b’tocham, is generally translated as “that I may dwell among them.” However, b’tocham can also be translated as “within them.” The 19th century Russian Torah scholar, the Malbim, explained that “the physical sanctuary…is just a reminder of what God really wants- that each person builds a sanctuary within his or her heart for God to dwell therein….”
Malbim’s teaching reminds me of how each of us plays an essential role in maintaining the vitality of our congregational community. Our Temple is more than a house of prayer. It is a place of learning and a place of caring-- a physical manifestation of the holiness we each bring to the world. That holiness is felt most keenly in the moments of ‘betweenness’ we share. When we turn to face each other, when we listen with open hearts, when we celebrate each other’s simchas and mourn each other’s losses, when we welcome each other with love and respect- despite our differences, and our imperfections, God’s presence dwells in us and among us.
In a world where uncertainty and chaos are ever present, being part of our congregational family feels more important than ever.
As we prepare to gather for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, welcoming the Jewish New Year of 5786, consider how you can do your part to strengthen the physical and spiritual sanctuary that is Temple Beth-El.
Whether you make a one-time gift or increase your annual commitment, your investment will insure the continued flourishing of our sacred community.
Ellen Barshop
Director of Congregational Learning
Add Your Own Ingredient.
In the classic story Stone Soup, a hungry traveler begins making soup with just a stone, sparking the curiosity of villagers who each decide to add their own ingredients. Together, they create a hearty meal and discover the power of sharing and community.
The story of Stone Soup beautifully reflects the spirit of beginning a new religious school year, through a Jewish lens. In the tale, each person brings a small offering, and together they create something greater than anyone could alone—just as in Judaism, we value kehillah (community), where everyone’s unique contribution is essential.
As we begin this new school year, students bring curiosity, teachers bring Torah and guidance, families bring support and love and every Temple household, through their membership commitment, provides the framework for it all to be possible —each one fulfilling the mitzvah of Talmud Torah (Jewish learning). Like the soup, the learning and growth Temple can provide is at its richest when we come together with generosity, intention, and shared purpose. This reflects the Jewish value of arevut, the idea that all Jews are responsible for one another. With each small act—just like each ingredient—we build a warm, meaningful, and sacred year ahead for our students. Community is built not from one big thing, but from many small, heartfelt contributions. If you haven't already made your “We Are Temple” contribution through a one-time gift or increasing your membership support, we invite you to add your own ingredients today and discover the beauty of contributing to your sacred community.
Ross Halfant
Director of Programming & Social Justice
The call to pursue Justice.
Justice is at risk. Access to the truth is growing increasingly demanding and many of us feel fragile in today's troubling climate. Yet, Temple Beth-El stands strong and continues to be here - for you and everyone who needs us.
For over 150 years, and from generation to generation, our congregation has consistently answered the call to pursue justice. Our rabbinic and lay leaders have taken bold stances on issues like civil and workers' rights, as well as their collaborations with interfaith leaders and efforts toward racial desegregation.
In contemporary times, our dedicated Clergy continuously lead us in uniting acts of tikkun olam, repairing the world, as a community. From San Antonio to Austin to Washington, DC, Temple has advocated, learned, marched, and built partnerships across lines of difference to bring about lasting change. Every time we enter our historic space, we are reminded of the work we must do as Reform Jews. Prophetic text and a shared tradition commanding us to care for the stranger, to love our neighbor, and to seek justice not as a passing value, but as a way of everyday life. Now, it is more important than ever to support vital voices that uplift, inspire, and educate while including everyone. As it says in Pirkei Avot (2:5), “Do not separate yourself from the community,” and Temple is where we come together to learn, to celebrate, to act, and to care for one another. Membership is not just a benefit. It’s our sacred responsibility. Your financial support ensures that everyone has access to the richness of Jewish life. From Torah study to streamed Shabbat services, from words of wisdom from our Clergy to community service and advocacy opportunities. Temple's diverse programming remains accessible to all, regardless of financial contribution. This radical welcome, rooted in audacious hospitality, is something special and it’s something worth sustaining. When you give to We Are Temple Beth-El, by making a one-time gift or increasing your annual commitment, you’re not just helping us meet a financial goal. You’re investing in a shared, moral voice that inspires, a legacy of justice that endures, and a spiritual home that gives freely to all who seek it. Give boldly and generously. Create, and support, Jewish joy. That's Temple Beth-El, and it's who we are.
Aliyah Kuchinsky
Director of Philanthropy & Member Engagement
Making the Choice to be here.
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.