Shalom Everyone,
The 2019-2020 fiscal year has arrived and although we are struggling Valley Beth Israel is still here for you. We look forward to your continued membership and also your increased participation in the programs we present; i.e., services and special events. Valley Beth Israel is now an independent congregation (USCJ) in favor of being a synagogue that both welcomes and represents members from throughout the broad spectrum of Judaism. Like anything new, change is difficult; yet it is imperative that we do something different for the very survival of Valley Beth Israel. As we begin to identify ourselves as an independent congregation you will see some differences in our services that we hope you will come to enjoy and participate in.
We are working very diligently to have an accounting/bookkeeping service on board to organize the financial side of our synagogue. Billings will be sent on a monthly basis so that the synagogue’s cash flow will be steady. As this is the third or fourth version of this letter you may have already received your first invoice. I totally expect that there will be a lot of errors. This isn’t a fault of the accounting service it’s just a fact that many inputs into our accounting program were not correct. The new service can only work with what they have been given. Do not worry it will all work out; it just may take longer than we would like. That being said until the system is fully implemented I am asking that you remit to the synagogue the same amount that you paid last year. If you don’t remember please send as much as you can. As the months proceed and the new system is in place you will either be billed for any shortages or credited for any overpayments. Contributions over and above your expected dues/fees are always welcome and will really help the synagogue. Remember please that we are happy to work out payment plans. We also accept credit cards but that manner of payment will incur a 5% service charge.
Security is always on my mind at the synagogue. I used to think we were a small blip in the overall scheme and that no harm could come to VBI. Not true any longer. I am terrified at the prospect of terrible things happening here. Our budget just can’t support the hiring of full-time security and we can’t build a big enough wall around our property to keep those wanting to harm us out. So what do we do? Internally here is our plan: We will be locking the front door at 7:45 pm on Friday nights and approximately 9:45 pm on Saturday mornings. If you arrive after those times please knock on the door and someone will let you in. It is not perfect security but it will be better than leaving the door open at all times during services. Do not be deterred from attending services at the synagogue. We need you. We will continue to have services and special events as in the past so your support is very important.
Normally I would stop here because of space limitations; but since we did not publish a June newsletter I think it’s important to continue with my thoughts.
There is some good news to report. The Mah Jongg tournament that was held at our synagogue in mid-April was a resounding success. Thanks to the dedicated leadership of Debbie Fishel and her husband, Jack, plus the hard working crew of volunteers the event went spectacularly. For those of you who don’t play Mah Jongg tournaments it is a full day of play for the participants and an even more difficult time for the volunteers who provide the Continental breakfast and lunch. There is not much free time for those who are helping. Long story short the synagogue made approximately $2000 for the day. Job well done!! More important we had many compliments from attendees who said they would come back to play at VBI again. We already have another tournament scheduled for I believe May of 2020.
Ed Kasman was honcho for a yard sale in front of the synagogue in June and without much advertising he and his volunteers were able to bring in $600. It’s a lot of work and takes a tremendous effort to bring in merchandise, then price everything and set up the front lawn, and finally put whatever is left over away at the end of the sale. The success of these two events is most important and my thanks to those who participated.
Our Religious School is in need of your help in building it up again. A synagogue member is offering up to five (5) fully paid scholarships for the next school year. Call Mona at (818) 983-8176 for details. Help VBI continue to grow.
High Holidays are on the near horizon and our Ritual committee has already had a meeting to get everything in place for the services. Much goes on behind the scenes and we appreciate your cooperation. We expect to have volunteers in the office as we get closer to the holidays to help you with seat selection and all the other myriad of things that you may have questions about.
If you know of people interested in joining Valley Beth Israel have them call the synagogue office or me. We have membership packages beginning as low as $65/month.
I will try to keep you as informed as possible. If you have questions and I am sure there will be plenty please call me and let me try to answer them. You can get it from me first-hand not second or third-hand from someone who may not be involved. Passing on information that may not be correct is very detrimental to the synagogue.
With G-d’s blessing and your continued support we hope to see you at the synagogue often in the future.
Ron
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