Capital Campaign - Message from Co-Chairs

Building Tomorrow Together

A message from our co-chairs

Building Tomorrow Together

A message from our co-chairs

The Ongoing Challenge

A few years ago, long before we lived in a pandemic world, our very dedicated and proactive board members identified two problems that challenged the long-term stability of the temple. First, our aging building was in need of a number of repairs and improvements to keep our temple—our spiritual anchor—comfortable, safe, and inviting. Second, in addition to the contributions to our building fund, every year, we have $50,000 of additional building maintenance costs. Funds in our budget that could otherwise be available for programs, education, and caring for our community are directed to address the building needs. This is not an ideal solution. Our board considered multiple options: increasing dues; a special building assessment; and a capital campaign. They carefully analyzed these alternatives and ultimately decided that a capital campaign—a community effort, a partnership, that brings all of us together to support our Temple’s future was the best path. The inspiration for this campaign is rooted in the same values as our founding members exemplified when they had the vision and dedication to build our beloved temple almost 50 years ago. From generation to generation. L’dor v’dor.

The Ongoing Challenge

A few years ago, long before we lived in a pandemic world, our very dedicated and proactive board members identified two problems that challenged the long-term stability of the temple. First, our aging building was in need of a number of repairs and improvements to keep our temple—our spiritual anchor—comfortable, safe, and inviting. Second, in addition to the contributions to our building fund, every year, we have $50,000 of additional building maintenance costs. Funds in our budget that could otherwise be available for programs, education, and caring for our community are directed to address the building needs. This is not an ideal solution. Our board considered multiple options: increasing dues; a special building assessment; and a capital campaign. They carefully analyzed these alternatives and ultimately decided that a capital campaign—a community effort, a partnership, that brings all of us together to support our Temple’s future was the best path. The inspiration for this campaign is rooted in the same values as our founding members exemplified when they had the vision and dedication to build our beloved temple almost 50 years ago. From generation to generation. L’dor v’dor.

Leadership

We wanted to manage this campaign thoughtfully and appropriately. We engaged consultants who helped us implement a feasibility study and hired our Director of Philanthropy, Leslie Landman, to help develop a strategic plan that would ground our efforts in the variety of values that make Jeremiah, Jeremiah: warmth, joy, connection, inclusion, and community.

Our board adopted and advanced this campaign, not just in concept, but with a tremendous showing of leadership. Since this effort began, we have had 100% board participation from all board members, those who initiated the campaign and those who joined subsequently. In addition, all of our clergy, senior staff and past Presidents have made pledges towards this effort.

While planning for this campaign, we began to speak with various members about our plans. Many responded to these conversations by making early commitments, and we are proud that these commitments reflect what we hope will continue throughout our campaign—pledges from members at all giving levels and from members representing all ages and stages of membership in our community.

Leadership

We wanted to manage this campaign thoughtfully and appropriately. We engaged consultants who helped us implement a feasibility study and hired our Director of Philanthropy, Leslie Landman, to help develop a strategic plan that would ground our efforts in the variety of values that make Jeremiah, Jeremiah: warmth, joy, connection, inclusion, and community.

Our board adopted and advanced this campaign, not just in concept, but with a tremendous showing of leadership. Since this effort began, we have had 100% board participation from all board members, those who initiated the campaign and those who joined subsequently. In addition, all of our clergy, senior staff and past Presidents have made pledges towards this effort.

While planning for this campaign, we began to speak with various members about our plans. Many responded to these conversations by making early commitments, and we are proud that these commitments reflect what we hope will continue throughout our campaign—pledges from members at all giving levels and from members representing all ages and stages of membership in our community.

The Unexpected

One thing that we never anticipated when we began our effort was the onset of a global pandemic. Planning that started in 2019 and targeted an announcement in late spring of 2020, was sidelined. Like the rest of the world, we had to pause and pivot—but we did not stop. And, in many ways, the experience of the pandemic strengthened our understanding of the need for a proactive campaign—an effort to build together. External circumstances will inevitably arise which will require the temple to respond and adapt. A building endowment will help our Temple meet such challenges, survive times of economic upheaval and continue to serve.

The Unexpected

One thing that we never anticipated when we began our effort was the onset of a global pandemic. Planning that started in 2019 and targeted an announcement in late spring of 2020, was sidelined. Like the rest of the world, we had to pause and pivot—but we did not stop. And, in many ways, the experience of the pandemic strengthened our understanding of the need for a proactive campaign—an effort to build together. External circumstances will inevitably arise which will require the temple to respond and adapt. A building endowment will help our Temple meet such challenges, survive times of economic upheaval and continue to serve.

Vision and Inspiration

Our goal is both financial—to raise the funds needed to cover our immediate and imminent capital needs and strengthen our endowment—and community building. We value our entire membership and hope everyone that is part of our community today shares a vested interest in the future strength of Temple Jeremiah. From generation to generation.

We are guided and inspired by the words of our late past president, Mitch Slotnick, that keeping our community strong requires the thoughtful, caring participation of our entire membership, proportionate to one’s ability to give. Contributions will be in different amounts, but it takes everyone in our community being a part of the effort to provide the foundation and security we need for the future.

Vision and Inspiration

Our goal is both financial—to raise the funds needed to cover our immediate and imminent capital needs and strengthen our endowment—and community building. We value our entire membership and hope everyone that is part of our community today shares a vested interest in the future strength of Temple Jeremiah. From generation to generation.

We are guided and inspired by the words of our late past president, Mitch Slotnick, that keeping our community strong requires the thoughtful, caring participation of our entire membership, proportionate to one’s ability to give. Contributions will be in different amounts, but it takes everyone in our community being a part of the effort to provide the foundation and security we need for the future.

Partnership

Please read the information on the Building Tomorrow Together webpage. Review our capital needs plan. Like all homeowners know, homes—even spiritual ones—require repairs, improvements, and ongoing maintenance. See our FAQ for more details. Please join our growing list of supporters dedicated to the future of our Temple.

Help us reach our goal to garner support from each and every Temple Jeremiah member.

Partnership

Please read the information on the Building Tomorrow Together webpage. Review our capital needs plan. Like all homeowners know, homes—even spiritual ones—require repairs, improvements, and ongoing maintenance. See our FAQ for more details. Please join our growing list of supporters dedicated to the future of our Temple.

Help us reach our goal to garner support from each and every Temple Jeremiah member.

Gratitude

We extend our gratitude to our wonderful campaign leadership for their generous commitment of time, energy, and devotion.

Steering Committee:

David Golder, Co-Chair and Past President
Ken Lorch, Co-Chair and Past President
Barbara Miller, Co-Chair and Immediate Past President
Rabbi Paul F. Cohen, Senior Rabbi
Daniel A. Glassman, Executive Director
Scott Levin, Board President
Jon Fellman, Vice President
Gary Kash, Vice President
Howard Lanznar, Past President

Campaign Committee:

Alisa Patterson, Board Member
Scott Patterson, Congregant
Gregory Richards, Board Member
Michael Schack, Board Member

Please feel free to contact us or any member of our committee with questions.

David Golder, Past Board President
dgolder@lightfall.com

Ken Lorch, Past Board President
lorch@htl-law.com

Barbara Miller, Immediate Past President
bmiller54@comcast.net