September 2013: From TBS President Bryan H. Pines

Temple Beth Sholom began as a vision in the 1940’s as a place in Hamden where Jewish life would be celebrated as a community. From generation to generation, families have relied on the spiritual, educational, and communal aspects of our Temple. It is now our challenge to see what legacy we can leave for our children’s future. It is a troubling fact that 80% of Jewish wealth is left to non-Jewish organizations. Temple Beth Sholom is a strong institution, but through our foresight and vision, we can insure our future for years to come. Our responsibility lies in meeting this challenge. Ask yourself what you value most about TBS, and we will work together to protect those interests. It always brought great pleasure to Debby and me to read the book Something from Nothing to Sara and Molly about a Jewish tailor. Through his creativity and love, the tailor altered his grandson’s worn blanket’s usefulness as it became tattered. The grandfather created a legacy by teaching his grandson that the intrinsic value of an object is maintained even when it is transformed and its purpose renewed.

My confidence lies with our new Officers, Trustees, and Directors, that we all share the same passion for excellence, and a drive to continue this journey together. Our possibilities are endless and I am excited about our future together.

The Legacy Committee was formed this year to facilitate planned giving. Temple members are encouraged to decide upon a charitable gift now that will be bestowed in the future as part of an estate. Through your generosity, we will receive a valuable incentive grant from the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven if we reach our initial endowment goal after this two year program. The Harold Grinspoon Foundation has sponsored this incentive to Temple Beth Sholom in order to promote charitable giving. These committee members have spent many hours exploring the various ways to make a bequest to TBS. They will be contacting members to discuss how easy it is to contribute. Similar to the concept of drip irrigation in agriculture, every drop of water will help nourish the crops and support growth. As a participant in this group, your voice will be valuable during special strategic planning events. Together, by setting reachable and realistic goals, we will stay motivated, and realize that the process itself will be a rewarding experience. Abraham Lincoln once said: “I want it said of me by those who knew me best; that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.”

Bryan H. Pines

TBS President