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Traditional Congregation of Creve Coeur Seth D. Gordon, Rabbi Ephraim I. Zimand, Rabbi Emeritus |
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A Few Words from Your Treasurer… |
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As we enter 2010, I did something I rarely do…I reflected upon the past several years of my life: where I am now, where I have been and, interestingly (to me, anyway), where I might want to go. All in the context of shul. When Sid and I first joined Traditional Congregation, almost 20 years ago, Dick Fine quickly scooped me up and into the Bingo gang. Once each month, I had the pleasure of being part of the fine group of congregants who braved the smoke-filled room of Bingo players, all in an effort to raise money to keep Traditional financially sound. I made many good and lasting friendships during that time. The income earned helped to keep us afloat. Then I joined the Board as Co-Vice President of Education (thank you, Shirley!), selfishly, because our children, Matthew and Rebecca, were beginning their studies at the Jewish Heritage Center. Had to keep my finger on the pulse of their education, you know. As time went on, our children “graduated” from the JHC, with Rebecca in the last class. As the JHC began to wind down, I signed on as Treasurer. It’s been interesting being Treasurer. At first I thought all I needed to do was pay the invoices that were authorized for the week. It never really occurred to me that we, Traditional Congregation, are a business, with bills to pay. Credit my rose-colored glasses for that bit of innocence. Now we find ourselves in the midst of financial upheaval. Our small congregation still has big bills to pay: providing programs (e.g., Scholar-In-Residence and Knosh and Knowledge), salaries, maintaining the physical structure, the list seems endless. We are making valiant attempts at fundraising. We don’t have Bingo income to count on anymore. We pretty much have only ourselves. Take a moment to think about what if. What if there comes a day when there is a banner on the office door, stating that we are closed? Where would we go? Personally, I would become a lost soul. I don’t want to join a large congregation. My Traditional Family is just the right size for me. You fill me with a sense of belonging, both spiritual and emotional. You are my “happy place.” Why am I sharing this with you? It is my hope that each and every one of us continue to financially support Traditional Congregation, be it attending fundraisers, volunteering at the upcoming Garage Sale, or any one of a number of opportunities that exist. And if you feel there isn’t a niche for you, then simply create it. I, for one, never want to see an “out of business” sign on our doors. Respectfully, Barbara Levin
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