Dear Temple Beth Tikvah Congregants and Community Friends,
The High Holy Days call us into the Days of Awe—a sacred time to reflect on the year behind us and prepare our hearts for the year to come. We enter this season with gratitude for the blessings of our community: the steady guidance of Rabbi Sara Abrams, the energy of new board members, and the generosity of donors who are sustaining our most cherished efforts.
At the same time, we do not look away from the challenges of our world. Rising antisemitism and the painful conflict in Israel and Palestine weigh heavily on our hearts. In these moments, our congregation becomes a refuge—where reflection, prayer, and community strengthen our resolve to live with hope and purpose.
Our first service will be Erev Rosh Hashanah on Monday, September 22nd. Please register by September 15th, and you may also honor loved ones by including their names in our Yizkor Memorial Booklet.
Register today to join us for these Days of Awe. We also invite you to deepen your impact through a gift to the Music Fund or a Tzedakah project that helps bring our values to life. Together, may we enter the New Year with faith, resilience, and the comfort of community.
L’shanah Tovah,
Ginger Weeden
Temple Beth Tikvah president
Sisters–Culver Fire Update
With the news that the fire in Culver and Sisters continues to grow, I want to send out our deepest regards to all those affected:
Over the past week, Central Oregon has been reminded of both the power of nature and the strength of human courage. The wildfire stretching from Culver to Sisters has touched many lives, yet through it all, we have witnessed extraordinary dedication.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters, first responders, and forestry teams—along with those who traveled from other states—to stand on the frontlines. Their tireless efforts, courage, and skill have kept our communities safe, and their bravery is a blessing to us all.
We are equally grateful for the health and safety of our Temple Beth Tikvah members and their neighbors who live in the affected areas. We know the stress and uncertainty of watching flames so close to home, and we recognize the strength it has taken to meet each day with resilience.
May we continue to hold one another in care and compassion, offering prayers of protection for those still working the firelines and comfort for those who remain on alert. Together, as one community, we give thanks—for safety preserved, for lives protected, and for the countless hands that make such protection possible.
With deepest gratitude,
Ginger Weeden
Temple Beth Tikvah president