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Temple Beth El Blog

Gratitude and Giving

11/05/2019 11:35:00 AM

Nov5

by Julia Katz, Development Committee

Judaism values gratitude quite strongly. There’s even a term for it, hakarat ha tov, “noticing the good.” In this new year, here are some of the things I am grateful for:

1. I am grateful for community. The Temple Beth El community welcomed our family when we moved here from Pittsburgh in May 2018. With a young child and one on the way at the time, we knew that a strong, committed Reform Jewish community was an important factor when even entertaining the idea of moving our family. We have truly found that at TBE: through Shabbalala, Religious School, young-families events, and so much more.

2. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference. As a Jewish communal fundraiser, I have joined the Development Committee and am honored to help TBE build a plan for future sustainability.

3. I am grateful for the support of our TBE members. This community is strong because of your dedication to ensuring TBE’s success. It is incredible that with your tremendous generosity we were able to surpass our goal for the 80th anniversary, raising just over $66,000 in sponsorships! These funds directly impact every member of TBE. Most recently, the volunteer support of our members created the incredibly successful Trivia Night, where more than 130 people gathered for Havdalah and an evening of fun. This was the first of three events planned for our 80th anniversary, and I hope that you will join us for the next events: the Haggadah Debut and Art Show on March 7 and Taste of Wisconsin on June 27.

4. I am grateful for TBE. I am grateful to have a place in Madison where I can demonstrate my enduring commitment to Jewish life to my children and guarantee that they have a place to start their Jewish journeys.

Julia and her husband, Willie, a faculty member at UW, and their children (Brynn, age 4.5, and Lewis, 15 months) live on Madison’s west side. They all look forward to meeting you.

April 23, 2024 15 Nisan 5784