November 2021 Newsletter

President’s Message
Michael Gordon
We have all felt the impact of the pandemic, and it has isolated many of
us and made us realize, more than ever, we need to be with others. This
sense of belonging is a powerful feeling. We have asked questions about
why we want a Jewish identity, what we expect from our affiliation with
the Temple, what more we could ask for, and how we can be heard.
The future will be different. We want you, the members of the
congregation, to define the future of Temple Adas Shalom.
The Board is undertaking an initiative to engage with as many
congregants as we can, and this will be done in a series of small group
sessions beginning the first quarter of 2022. More about this initiative
will be shared with you at the Congregational meeting on Sunday,
November 21st, at 10:30 AM in the sanctuary.
The process of answering these questions will define what our revisited
mission statement should look like and what strategies will be needed to
realize our vision. You have heard us use the term “financial
sustainability” several times in recent months. It gets real meaning when
we answer questions about whether we can afford our vision and will we
survive or will we thrive over the next decade. We will look at multiple
alternatives as we match this vision to affordability and reexamine our
revenue sources.
In addition to revisiting our vision, we believe it is time to look at the
cost of membership. Many congregations have already concluded that a
fair share dues model based on member income is not the right way for
the future. Another aspect of this initiative, with your engagement, is to
examine alternative financial models where member affordability is
linked to value received.
We are making frequent communications and transparency an absolute
priority. We are all part of this wonderful community, and the only way
we can go forward is to engage each and every one of you in this process
of transformation.
See you at the congregational meeting on the 21st.
Mike Gordon, Board President of Temple Adas Shalom
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