Final message from board President Robin Bass
Dear Congregants, families, and friends,
As spring has finally arrived, I want to let you know that, after 5 years, I’m stepping down as president of RTPV. I have been honored to lead the temple through some challenging as well as rewarding times. I am very grateful that you entrusted me with the needs of RTPV and feel very confident that our new co-presidents, Roni Rodman and Phil Hurowitz, will be excellent leaders as we move forward. My last Shabbat service as president will be on Friday, June 26, with musical accompaniment. I hope you will join us then.
As I am leaving my position at the end of June, I have one final request. I have made many appeals over the past 5 years, but this time feels more personal, as it will be my last.
RTPV is a very special place for us. As the only congregation in Putnam Valley, and one of the few Reform congregations in Putnam County, we are an open and welcoming community and have worked very hard to meet the needs of our diverse congregation.
However, as I have said over the years, being a small congregation, we still have many expenses. We have kept our dues low compared to most other congregations, and that means we do not collect enough money to cover our expenses from dues. As anyone who has attended any event in the temple over the past few years knows, we have focused much of our attention on safety and security. Unfortunately, our alarm and other security equipment is very outdated and needs to be replaced and improved. While we have applied for grants, nothing has come through yet, and we need to start upgrading.
This year, we started a music fund to enhance services with two wonderful singers, Laura Copel and Susan Pereira (our High Holiday accompanist). We will be having outdoor services at our lakes as the weather warms, with Laura singing at several services.
We also know not everyone can afford to donate more than they already have and so we encourage everyone to consider volunteering. Our volunteers do an amazing job holding the building together, keeping it clean and appealing, making sure everyone who comes to the building is safe, reaching out to the community, letting them know of our events, and more.
All our committees can use extra help if you have the time. If you wish to donate, we always appreciate any amount you give us. You can donate to the temple general fund or to a specific fund such as: music, security, by making your check payable to RTPV or donate to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund (Make checks payable to RTPV RDF). Donations by check can be made to: RTPV, Box 232, Putnam Valley, NY 10579, or you can make a donation here on our website.
Thank you for anything you can give: either money or time, and again, it was my honor to serve as president of this congregation for the past 5 years. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Warm regards,
Robin