Project Etz Chayim

 Thank you card

In 1999, for the first time in nearly 40 years, TBEMC undertook a fundraising campaign to create a capital fund which would be there to enable us to modernize our building, and an endowment fund which would help support worthwhile programming previously underfunded or not funded at all. Over 80% of the congregation took part in that effort, raising ONE MILLION DOLLARS! As we approach the New Year, we should take a moment to reflect that because our congregation cared so much, and donated so generously, we were able to complete the following capital projects in the intervening years:

  • Upgrading of the religious school wing including updated classrooms, lighting, flooring, and equipment
  • An upgraded lower lobby
  • New Sanctuary lighting
  • New Sanctuary sound system
  • New roof
  • New windows throughout the building
  • New Heating/AC systems in the building
  • A refurbished Cantor’s Office
  • A refurbished Temple Office and Library
  • A new accessibility lift
  • A new parking lot
  • Torah refurbishment
  • Improved security systems
  • Accessible bathrooms
  • Accessible Bimah
  • Computer system upgrades
  • Upgraded WiFi for Covid times
  • Technology for remote learning
  • Live streaming technology

Our Youth Education endowment continue to enable Temple children to attend camp, USY events, summer programs, and educational opportunities and help our Religious School modernize through technology. The Lifelong Learning endowment has brought programs and speakers to our shul. The Jewish Music endowment continues to provide subsidies to support both ritual and other music needs. Our Chesed/Senior Programming endowment helps fund outreach to seniors through programming and other projects. Over $775,000 has been distributed for capital and endowment grants to date.

As we approach the new year, it is comforting to know that over $550,000 in endowment funds remain because of prudent investment over time and that those funds are helping the shul continue to provide all the services that you, our congregants, expect. Our capital funds will need replenishment going forward as some of the above projects need to be redone again.

Thank you to all our congregants, and stay safe!

David Springer, Project Etz Chayim co-chair