Executive Director

We started our Hanukkah celebration a little early this year this past Sunday evening with our annual fireworks celebration at Kellman Brown Academy (special thank-you to Gancz Contracting for sponsoring the event). Thankfully, the weather cooperated for us, both on the day of the event and leading up to the event. It is ironic that last year, the fireworks celebration was canceled due to rain, and this year, it was close to being canceled again, but this time because of drought and a fire ban. Luckily, we received the green light a few weeks ago. After receiving much-needed rain, the ban was lifted, and the township approved our permit. The very well-attended event was a BLAST(see what I did there)! And the grand finale of the fireworks, and the fireworks themselves, was the grand finale of this past year of programming. 

With the first night of Hanukkah this coming Wednesday and the end of the (secular) calendar year soon after that, I once again look back at what a wonderful year it has been for Temple Beth Sholom in so many ways. It was another year filled with exciting programming, celebrations, learning, and milestones. Our membership and schools are growing, new endowment funds have been created, we have made advancements in security and technology, Plus Giving increased, and sponsorships are at an all-time high. None of this would have been possible without you.

The word Hanukkah means “re-dedication.” This is because it celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple by the Maccabees after their victory over the Assyrian-Greeks in 165 BCE. In order to rededicate their Temple, the Maccabees cleaned out the sanctuary, relit the menorah, and celebrated for eight days. This makes us wonder: how will we rededicate ourselves to Judaism and our temple this Hanukkah? Our kehillah kedoshah, sacred community, is powered by generosity. We are blessed with many dedicated volunteers, staff, and faculty who give their time and exert tremendous effort to make TBS a caring community. We are also blessed with many dedicated donors who help ensure we have the resources we need to inspire Jewish living and learning. In the spirit of Hanukkah , we ask that you rededicate your commitment to TBS with a gift to help us continue to pursue our mission. 

Donate Here

One of the ways we celebrate Hanukkah is by giving gifts. As you consider making year-end gifts to organizations, we would like you to consider adding TBS to your list. Perhaps you would like to contribute to one of our many funds that you find meaningful. At this time of year, many of us consider year-end charitable contributions, not only in the spirit of giving but to help offset our tax liability. As always, your donations to TBS are greatly appreciated and are used in many ways to enhance our synagogue. 
Some congregants choose to pay their dues in full or pay down their building fund balance to help offset their tax liability. Others choose to donate their required minimum distribution from their IRA to TBS. Some congregants choose to donate to TBS through stock contributions. This is a very attractive year-end tax savings strategy. Donating appreciated stock can increase your tax benefit. If you donate an appreciated security that you have owned for longer than one year, you will avoid paying the capital gains on the sale. In addition, the gifted stock allows you to potentially deduct the entire value of the donation on your tax return. Stock donations can also be applied to various areas of the synagogue's financial obligation. An end-of-year charitable contribution to TBS is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to lessen our tax burden and provide a valuable donation to our shul. 

Regardless of whether you choose to contribute because Hanukkah is approaching or because you want to get that year-end tax deduction, we are grateful. If you cannot give today, please consider a gift for the future through the Life & Legacy program. If you would like to learn more about Life & Legacy, or how you can make a donation to Temple Beth Sholom through the contribution of stock, please contact me at rons@tbsonline.org or (856) 751-6663 x218. For tax advice, please consult your tax advisor. 

On behalf of the TBS Clergy and staff, we wish you a Hag Urim Sameah - a happy festival of lights!
 
Ron Safier
Executive Director