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Second, I would like to acknowledge our Board’s commitment. We meet at least once a month (and this past month, three times) to discuss issues and concerns to maintain BAJC.
Third, there is the commitment of our education committee and our religious schoolteachers to the youth of BAJC. Each Monday afternoon, our boys and girls enjoy what we hope is a positive Jewish experience that will last them throughout their lives. Although our teachers and school administrator are paid staff, they do a job that is a labor of love and commitment, giving far more of their time and energy than we pay them for. Our education committee meets regularly to set goals and direction for the school, as well as helping with school activities and programs.
Fourth, there is a cadre of lay leaders who have volunteered to lead services because of their commitment to BAJC having regular Shabbat and holiday celebrations.
Fifth, there is our Sunshine committee, committed to assisting members of our congregation that are in need of help or cheering up.
Sixth, there is our Rabbi Search committee that has demonstrated its commitment to identify the best rabbi for us by working diligently over the past nine months. The committee has held countless meetings to insure that the best process is in place for selecting a new rabbi.
Seventh, there is our Fundraising committee that has shown its commitment by running three successful “Israeli Film & Food Festival” fundraisers and planning for the fourth on August 21-22.
Eighth, there is the commitment of our members who can’t pay full dues but who do many chores and jobs for which we would otherwise have to pay someone, along with the “above and beyond” commitment of members who not only pay their dues but also donate to our various funds and/or perform many volunteer tasks.
I could go on but I will stop here to allow you to tell me about how you see or experience commitment at BAJC. Please send me your comments at marty@bajcvermont.org
This month we will be holding our Annual Meeting on Monday, June 28 at 6:30PM. Preceding the meeting, there will be a barbecue. Details can be found in this newsletter.
At the annual meeting, the agenda will include a “State of the Shul” address by me, election of Board members, and approval of our budget. The approval of our budget is necessary if we are to provide the services and programs that we have all come to expect. There is a lot of discussion that takes place around the question of dues. In fact, I would like to replace the term “dues” with “support” because our members are not paying a “fee for services” but are making an annual commitment to support the mission, vision, and goals of BAJC. . Please plan to attend the annual meeting to express your opinions and to learn more about what’s happening in our congregation.
Last month, during the Torah study portion of our Board meeting, we discussed Pirkei Avot 3:17: “Where there is no Torah there is no bread. Where there is no Bread there is no Torah.” The discussion centered on “Torah”--all the things we want for BAJC, such as a rabbi, a religious school, and an expanded building, and on “bread”-- how we pay for these things. Our income is derived primarily through membership dues and school fees, with some funds from bequests, fundraising events, a High Holyday appeal, and individual donations. But this is not enough. As we go forward, we must all think of new ways to insure that BAJC can continue to be center of Jewish life in southeastern Vermont.
"Where there is no Torah, there is no culture; where there is no culture, there is no Torah; where there is no wisdom, there is no fear of God; where there is no fear of God, there is no wisdom; where there is no knowledge, there is no discernment; where there is no discernment, there is no knowledge; where there is no flour, there is no Torah, where there is no Torah, there is no flour."
B’shalom,
Marty
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