When I agreed to take on the role of President of TBT, I could not have imagined the challenges that 2020 would bring for all of us. It is a time of great difficulty for our world and our community on many fronts. And, yet, as I said at the annual meeting, I don’t think I have ever been prouder to be a member of this community and I feel increasingly hopeful as to what we will accomplish together over the next few years.
During the pandemic, TBT has offered a way to both reach out and to be reached. Through its Helping Hands program, it reached members to simply say hello and make certain all were safe and without need. Through virtual services, onegs, seders, Torah Study, Jewish Meditation and Religious School we have been able to worship together, learn together and just see one another’s faces. We have also continued the good work we always do – raising more in our online food drive than ever before, supporting our food pantries and local groups that help the larger community, and simply reacting to the news of the day and creating opportunities for reflection and learning.
The work doesn’t stop here. We will continue to build our community – both at TBT and in the world around us – no matter what the coming months bring. Future programs include exploring race relations through readings and discussions from the Social Justice Committee, a “get out the vote” initiative, intergenerational programming through the Religious School and other means, a virtual movie day with Kol Ami, and several summer outdoor in-person services.
While TBT is always involved in the work of building community described above, we will also turn our attention to literally building for our community. Soon after this Shofar is delivered we will see the first shovel hit the ground for our building renovation project. As with the work above, we need each and every one of you to be part of this exciting project and we thank you in advance for your support and dedication to our community.
While the year ahead may be one with many challenges, there is also much to be thankful for as we work towards the future. I feel confident we will face these challenges together and come out stronger, in a place that will be our Jewish home on the Shoreline for future generations.
- Sarah Mervine