Dear Temple Beth Tikvah Congregants and Community Friends,
The High Holy Days offered us a time of reflection, renewal, and reconnection—and this year, Temple Beth Tikvah truly shone. Our sanctuary was filled with members and guests who came together for beautiful, engaging services led by Rabbi Sara Abrams. The warmth and care of our volunteers made every gathering—from Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur—a meaningful and seamless experience.
At our October board meeting, we debriefed the High Holy Days and celebrated the success of these events. While contributions collected do not fully cover the associated expenses, it remains our mission to serve where we are needed and to offer the services our Central Oregon Jewish community wants and deserves.
Our Annual Contributions Campaign has also seen tremendous success this year, with a much higher percentage of congregants participating than in recent years. If you haven’t yet responded to the campaign emails, we encourage you to visit our website to let our Finance Team know how you’ll participate this year. Fiscal hardships should never be a barrier to joining or remaining a part of Temple Beth Tikvah; your presence is the greatest value. All financial information remains confidential, and we encourage every member to contribute in a way that reflects both their budget and the value they place on TBT as their Jewish home.
In terms of an operational update, we are pleased to share that our Treasurer and Finance Committee are now fully operational with RakefetOnline, our chosen CRM and accounting system. More integrated features and tools will be available in the months ahead making us more efficient.
Looking ahead, planning for Hanukkah on December 14 is well underway. Following a format similar to 2024, the evening will feature potluck soups and stews, plenty of latkes, live guitar music by a local musician, and activities for children. Registration details will be shared in November and the start time will accommodate all who wish to attend the menorah lighting in the Old Mill on the same evening.
Meanwhile, our Adult Education team, led by Mel Siegle and Rabbi Sara, has launched a new study series on The Accidental Empire: Israel and the Birth of the Settlements, 1967–1977. The series begins November 6, 7 pm. Register here and receive the zoom link for both sessions.
We’re excited to feature this Adult Ed event as the opening to our “TBT Weekend of Learning and Action,” November 6–8. The weekend includes our first lay-led Erev Shabbat service in recent history, organized by the TBT Ritual Committee. That evening marks the start of a community food drive benefiting NeighborImpact, which concludes the following night at the Havdalah Happy Hour hosted by Laura and Ron Fritz.
Together, we continue to learn, celebrate, and strengthen the vibrant Jewish life that connects us all.
Warmly,
Ginger Weeden
President, Temple Beth Tikvah