It is a summer of changes for all, and most especially TBT. While our towns slowly open up as many are vaccinated and the summer allows us to go outdoors and see one another again, TBT is also going through its own metamorphosis in so many ways.
The first, and most obvious, is the physical structure. We are in the middle of the renovation project, and you can drive by and see the framing of the new areas. Things are coming together, and we hope to have our new building ready by the end of 2021, and a sanctuary before then. We look forward to the day, very soon, where we can be together in our new space.
The Capital Campaign is also changing, as we are getting closer to our goal. Many have given to make this building a reality and we are grateful for all of the support we have received from our wonderful congregants. Most recently we had a matching gift of up to $750,000 and to date we have raised over $150,000 towards that match. Things are going so well that the matching gift has been extended through the summer and up until the first day of Rosh Hashanah! If you are able to give during this time, we appreciate it, as your gift will be matched dollar for dollar.
Finally, the biggest change is that our beloved Rabbi Offner is now our beloved Rabbi Emerita, and she and we are thrilled to welcome Rabbi Danny Moss this summer. Rabbi Moss was a unanimous choice of our committee and of all who met him during the interview process. He is a natural fit for TBT, and we are so happy to welcome him and his wife, Rabbi Susan Landau Moss, into the congregation. He brings with him fresh ideas but also a deep respect for what we have built here. I am sure you are as excited to meet him as I am to introduce him to our whole community, so please look through this shofar and sign up for one of the many meet and greets with him, or stop by at the next service. We cannot wait to see what Rabbi Moss will add to our community!
The one thing that hasn’t changed this summer is that the TBT community, while separated over the past year, has continued to maintain our ties and our connection. I can’t wait to be together again soon, which will surely be the best change of all!
- Sarah Mervine