Rude to Discuss Money?

By Amy Scully

Why is it that most of us agonize about the subject of money? Is it that our parents taught us as children that it is rude to discuss how much money we earn or how much we pay for items? In fact, most of our parents raised us to avoid discussing money at all costs. Unfortunately, as Temple president it is not possible to ignore the finances of our congregation. Additionally, I have a responsibility to share this information with our members.

The budget committee, with tremendous guidance from our treasurer Barry Bornstein, has worked diligently the past few months to prepare a balanced budget for 2008-2009 that meets the needs of our increased programming, increased Religious School enrollment and increased fixed costs. The committee deferred several worthwhile projects in an effort to present a balanced budget. It is imperative that we continue to grow our spiritual, educational and social programs if we are to achieve excellence. And to do so, requires us to find innovative ways to fund and support the ideas of the Temple and Religious School boards, Rabbi Sherman, and our Religious School director, Risa Strauss.

Barry has spent considerable time analyzing the finances of the Tree of Life and our methods for generating revenue. While we are ending the year with a slight surplus and a proposed balanced budget, it is concerning that 90% of our income comes from dues collection. This year we adopted the Covenant of Membership. The Covenant of Membership outlines the relationship between the congregation and its congregants. The covenant reaffirms the congregation’s commitment to each member to provide a place of worship, study and community. In return, the covenant asks that each member agree to support fully the congregation in a way that is fair to their family, fair to the congregation, and fair to all other members of the congregation. It is evident from the percentage of income derived from dues that our members take the commitment to the congregation seriously, but it is not healthy to rely so heavily on dues to support our mission.

To address this issue, I recruited a fundraising committee of eleven talented people that met for the first time on April 27. In the near future, I hope to report on the committee’s plans for next year. Please let me know if you have an interest in working with this dedicated group of fellow Temple members.

My personal goal as the congregation’s president has been to create a stronger community by engaging as many members as possible in our quest for excellence. So again, I end my monthly article with a call to action for each of you. Renew your covenant of membership, participate in our spiritual, educational and social programs, and support our new and existing fundraising efforts. Each of us has the power to transform our congregation. Begin by joining us for the annual meeting May 14, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. At the meeting, we will review a successful year and vote on the 2008-2009 budget and slate of officers.

Amy Scully
ascully@sc.rr.com