Rabbi Lipman's Monthly Message                                         

                                     Rabbi Lipman's Message

                                             August, 2003



Thoughts on Planning for the Future


This has been an exciting year for Temple B'rith Shalom and the Jewish community in the Tri-City area. We are growing; we are developing new programs and activities; and our services are both well-attended and participatory. With all of this progress come growth pains. Some people who have lived here for more than ten years mourn the loss of the "mom-pop/one-family" feel that used to be the trademark of Temple B'rith Shalom. There was a time when everyone knew everyone, and everyone shared. That time is fading as we gain more and more congregants. We are still the most warm and welcoming Jewish community I've ever seen, but the energy of the synagogue has changed. Our vibrancy now comes from an exciting group of Jews, not simply from special individuals.

The Jewish community itself is changing rapidly in our area. We are no longer a small group where everyone knows everyone who is Jewish. Clearly we are growing. It is essential that we realize that we are going to be a radically different Jewish commnity within fifteen years. Our needs are going to be very different, and they will be financially demanding. Imagine a Prescott with 15,000 Jews..... We will need a Jewish community center, perhaps our own Jewish assisted living center, perhaps the funds to support two or three different synagogues. We won't be able to provide such Jewish services in fifteen years if we don't start planning now.

And so we've begun: A group of concerned people in our community with foresight have already created The Jewish Community Foundation. Its long range goal is to collect commitments for those funds that will be needed down the road to keep our Jewish community vibrant and active. You can help. We ask that you join us in making a promise to the future Jewish community here in Prescott. The Foundation is holding its second Endowment Book of Life Signing Ceremony -and Brunch - on Sunday, August 24th at 11:30. Please consider making a future financial commitment to the Jewish Foundation. Come to the brunch and sign up. NO ONE WILL ASK YOU WHEN OR HOW MUCH - THEY WILL JUST SAY THANK YOU FOR PLEDGING TO SOME DAY PROVIDE SUPPORT TO OUR GROWING COMMUNITY.

Join this exciting group in ensuring the unique energy and vibrancy of the Jewish community of Prescott!


Rabbi Lipman's July, 2003 Message
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