From the President - March 2000

Dear Friends,

Asking for money is one of the hardest tasks of a congregation president. However, I feel very comfortable at this time asking you to raise your dues in the coming pledge drive. Why? Because I know your money is being well spent. More importantly, I hope it's as noticeable to you as it is to me.

Led by the Finance Committee, which was established in 1998, we continue to act in a fiscally conservative, prudent, almost frugal manner during both the budgeting process and the actual spending of monies. We have cut costs, we have managed better, we have shopped harder, we have instituted strict controls, and we do many things in a bare-bones manner. Not all of these measures have been popular, but they were necessary to our becoming fiscally responsible. We needed to get our financial house in order before we could come back to you and ask for additional monies for new programming or building improvements.

The Budget Committee is working now on developing the budget for fiscal year 2000-2001, which begins July 1. Based on input from our spiritual, professional and lay leaders, as well as the Long Term Planning Process, new programs and building improvements are being considered. We are, of course, anticipating modest increases in general operating costs, as well. Given our collective desire to "do more," we need you to increase your dues when you receive your pledge form later this month.

Along with your pledge form, you will also receive a letter from me explaining in detail why we need you to increase your dues this coming year. Between now and the time you receive your pledge materials, look around the temple and think about how carefully we are spending our limited resources. Think, too, about your wish list for updating our physical plant, and the programs you would like added. We have a growing and active school and an invigorated, involved membership. While we will continue to be fiscally conservative, we will also continue to try and meet your collective needs.

B'Shalom,
Karen Kahn

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