Temple Emanu-El Annual Appeal
SECURING OUR FUTURE TOGETHER
“Whoever practices Tzedakah (righteousness) and Tzedek (justice) fills the world with Chesed (loving kindness).”
Talmud: Sukkah 49b
Dear Temple Emanu-El Family,
Joyful, meaningful and community-filled Shabbat and holiday services, an Early Learning Center bursting at the seams, an innovative Youth Learning and Engagement program, a congregation committed to Israel, thoughtprovoking programming, a plethora of social activities and so much more. What an exciting time to be a member of our thriving congregation; the energy and spirit is palpable when you enter our doors!
Our vibrancy, commitment to Judaism, and strong synagogue family enables us to support our community during both joyous and challenging times, and to be a voice against antisemitism in the world. We are proud to be a cornerstone of Jewish life, learning, and connections here in Westfield and in our greater community. We are so deeply thankful for the support of our members who have nurtured and nourished the Temple; and who continue to sustain our congregation l’dor v’dor — from generation to generation.
This moment is a time for us to reflect, celebrate and honor our sacred community. If you have found your home here in Temple Emanu-El, if you have found meaning within our walls and connections in our offerings, we hope you’ll consider making a donation to support our congregation that we all love so dearly. Your philanthropic support is key to ensuring our dynamic programming and the vibrancy of our congregation today, tomorrow, and, we hope, for generations to come.
With deep appreciation,
Ethan Prosnit, Senior Rabbi Ben Berry, President
OUR COMMUNITY
Imagine a Jewish community grounded in tradition and history, yet inspired by the vast potential of our future.
At Temple Emanu-El of Westfield, we embrace innovation and creativity, inspiring our approach to Jewish life and practice and leading to a vibrant, inclusive Jewish community for all. We are innovators and creators, lifelong learners, seekers of meaning, and leaders committed to action. Our Temple family is a source of joy in times of celebration, and a source of comfort in moments of grief.
We believe in festive Shabbat and holiday gatherings, in inspirational Jewish learning, in joining together in song and worship to the tune of children laughing in our sanctuary, in young people asking questions and adults growing through the wisdom of tradition. We believe in standing in solidarity with Jewish communities here in Westfield, in Israel, and around the world. We believe in challenging expectations, investing generously in our community, and rising to meet each new moment through Torah, loving-kindness, justice, and joy.
We’ve built a community where every moment is an opportunity for growth, change, and creative learning. We believe in an optimistic, creative, collaborative Jewish future, and we believe it starts with us.
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We are inspired by Torah.
The values and teachings of Torah at Temple Emanu-El stretch far beyond the walls of our sanctuary. Torah is not just study: It’s learning and giving, acting and teaching, helping and growing. Together with your support, we can make the Torah come alive each and every day.
Learning is a journey that lasts a lifetime.
In our halls, learning is a lifelong adventure, not a series of grades with a finite graduation. Community learning is one of the richest aspects of life at Temple Emanu-El — and one where we need more resources each year. Together with your support, we can provide an active, vibrant learning community where everyone can learn and grow.
Innovation is the key to our future.
At Temple Emanu-El, no challenge is too great for us to overcome. We are flexible, nimble, and imaginative in our problem-solving, constantly looking toward the future. Together with your support, we can meet each moment with creativity, experimentation, and a belief in the power of change.
Our values make our community unique. Your involvement puts them into action.
TORAH
LIMMUD
ATID
…ONE INCREDIBLE COMMUNITY.
We act with moral leadership and integrity. We are committed to Israel.
TIKKUN OLAM
Repairing the world is so much more than just doing good deeds. We express our care through service, action, and standing up for what is right. Together with your support, we can create opportunities for everyone in our community to help make our world a more just, inclusive, and welcoming place for all.
Like every other Jewish community around the world, our hearts were broken by the devastating events of October 7, 2023. We continue to grieve for those killed, fight for the release of our hostages, and work towards a durable and lasting peace. Together with your support, we can keep Israel in our thoughts, hearts, and actions in every moment, every day.
Our Judaism is ever-evolving, hopeful, and joyous.
Through times of joy and moments of difficulty, our congregation brings us comfort and uplifts us. Our worship services are full of enthusiasm, music, and ruach (spirit), and every day, our halls bustle with activity and energy, ring with the sound of laughter, and fill with the power of song. Together with your support, we can continue to find joy in every moment.
YISRAEL
As a member of Temple Emanu-El, you’ve already made a personal commitment to our community — and our community would not be what it is without your support.
Membership dues make our expansive and growing programs and activities possible, enabling us to pursue our sacred mission as a vibrant center of Jewish life. From all of us at Temple Emanu-El, thank you for the impact you’ve already made on our community.
However, dues and fees alone are not sufficient for the Temple to maintain our commitment to excellence, growth, and vitality. There’s a gap between the revenue we receive from our members and the needs we hope to meet with our offerings. Most urgently, we need additional support to fund our Early Learning Center, care for our building, and enable us to respond to unexpected challenges and moments of critical community need.
That’s why we’re asking you to consider a commitment to Temple Emanu-El's Annual Appeal to help us meet the challenge of remaining a congregation of excellence for our members and community. With your partnership, we can make anything possible.
The funds we raise this year will allow us to remain a dynamic, innovative, inclusive community, and continue our role as the leading Reform Jewish congregation in New Jersey. Please consider a meaningful gift to Temple Emanu-El today.
Each year at the High Holy Days and throughout the fall, we ask for your donation to our Annual Appeal. With your commitment, you become a partner in our work to propel our congregation forward in the year ahead.
Your donation is not just a gift — it’s a way of showing that you’re invested in Temple Emanu-El as a community: from our leadership in the Jewish and broader community to our innovative programming and our determination to become a safe, welcoming Jewish home for everyone who steps through our doors.
What matters most is your care for the Temple and the meaning of your contribution. Whether you give $18, $180, $1,800, $18,000, or more, your support makes a difference. Our goal is for every member of Temple Emanu-El to consider a meaningful gift to the Annual Appeal.
How you give is up to you. Please check out the financial insert (or visit the Annual Appeal landing page at tewnj.org/annual-appeal) to learn about ways to give, explore convenient monthly or one-time giving options, and other ways we strive to make philanthropy easy.
However you give, whatever you contribute, you are a valued member of our community . We welcome, acknowledge, and thank you and every Temple member for your generous support.
“Tzedakah and works of kindness are as important as all the commandments of the Torah.”
Jerusalem Talmud Peah 1:1
Learn more about this year’s Annual Appeal, see all the ways to give, and make your donation at:
tewnj.org/annual-appeal
Rabbi Ethan Prosnit Ben Berry, President Carolyn Starke and Ellen Bass-Tripp Co-Chairs, Philanthropy Committee
To learn about the many exciting ways you can support Temple Emanu-El, please contact:
Elliot B. Karp, Director of Philanthropy ekarp@tewnj.org (908) 858-6364
Temple Emanu-El of Westfield
756 E. Broad Street Westfield, New Jersey 07090 (908) 232-6770