Rabbi's Blog

TI Community,
          For many, it has been very troubling seeing what is happening in our country over the last couple of weeks. A summary of my last two drashot would be, appreciate small steps and do what you can to bring light into the darkness. In giving these two talks, with these messages I had the goal to encourage people to act, no matter how small, as a way to combat the paralyzation we can feel in such situations.
          While we will act as individuals, over time we will also act as a congregation and a community. These actions will take lots of different forms. They will be decided upon as needs arise and as we have the people power to carry them out. There are already efforts underway to create support groups for federal workers (contact Terri Zall if you are interested in this group) and transgender individuals or parents of transgender children, who are feeling less safe ( please contact me if you are interested in this group ). In addition, there will be a conversation at the Board Meeting this Monday evening to open a discussion on how our congregation should participate in assuring safety for immigrants in our community.
          Unfortunately, the troubles people are facing are all too real. We already see instances of congregants who have lost their jobs due to recent government actions. We know that they and others will begin to feel financial burdens that they might not be able to anticipate right now. I want our congregation to be in a place to support them in the days, weeks and months ahead. I know that in the height of the pandemic people contributed to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund as a way to support individuals, at that time, who were dealing with similar struggles. I would like to encourage people to do so again now. I also encourage people that if you hear of people in need, please have them get in touch with me for support.
          In addition, we have a longstanding approach that no one should miss out on the benefits of being a part of the TI community because of their financial situation. Jevera Temsky, our Executive Director, is always available to discuss adjustments to your dues if that is needed. In addition, you should approach me if you want to attend an event but the cost prohibits you from doing so.
          At the same time that we want to keep money from being a barrier to people’s participation at TI, the synagogue needs to be able to cover all of our costs. Over time, I will use money from the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund to help cover some of the monies that the synagogue forgoes to allow for participation of those who can’t afford it. Your contributions to this fund can help us provide this assurance to more people. While individual donations to the Fund cannot be earmarked for a particular purpose, please consider making a contribution to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund so I have the means to support individuals and the congregation.
          TI is a strong community. It is a place where a diverse group of people comes together for belonging, prayer & spirituality, learning & growth, and where we can bring light into the lives of others in our congregation and the broader community.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Werbow

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