Update from the TOS Board of Trustees

Dear Friend,

We hope this finds you and your families well and that you are continuing to find ways to cope in these challenging times. The past few weeks have been overwhelming for us all, and in this time of anxiety and uncertainty, we are glad many have been able to find comfort in our virtual TOS community. We are here for you!

As you know, this has also been a challenging time for the Temple and we continue to adapt to this new reality. Several weeks ago, in an effort to address the significant shortfall in income brought on by the COVID-19 crisis, we sent out an Emergency Appeal to the entire TOS community. The Board would like to thank everyone who has donated for the remarkable generosity they have shown the Temple during these trying times. A few updates:

• To date we have received $72,027 in donations as a result of the Emergency Appeal.
• We have expanded our fundraising efforts. Our new Lamed Vavnik campaign asks donors to pledge $36,000 over three years. These funds will be matched by generous donors and will help further stabilize TOS’ finances. A dedicated group of community members have stepped up to help us continue to think creatively about how to best sustain TOS through this crisis.
• We are happy to report that, thanks to the hard work of our Co-Treasurers and Acting Executive Director, Shari Churwin, the Temple received a Federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan. This loan will provide significant short-term relief and will help TOS continue to pay our amazing staff for the coming weeks.

While we are heartened by the generosity of those who have responded to the Appeal, grateful for all the support TOS has received from the community, and are fortunate to have received the PPP Loan, the reality is that the funds raised thus far will not sustain the Temple’s operations for the duration of the COVID-19 related shutdown.

To ensure the ongoing stability of the Temple and our congregation during this challenging time, we’re hoping to raise a total of $750,000 by June 30, 2020, which means we still need your help. We recognize that for some members of the congregation a contribution may be out of reach, but we have faith that our community can rise to the challenge and help provide the support the Temple needs to weather this storm. If you are able to contribute to keep TOS running during this crisis, and you haven’t yet responded to our Emergency Appeal, please give whatever you can now by clicking this link (in the donation “type” drop down menu please choose COVID-19 Emergency Fund). We will continue to update you on the situation as it develops and are working on creating a donation tracker for the website to help us all celebrate your support.

Your support and generosity are critical to Temple Ohabei Shalom, particularly now, as we are committed to continue to lead worship, give pastoral care to those in need, educate our children and adults, and open our arms for all in our diverse community. Despite our physical distance, we are working to maintain the intimacy and sense of community which form the bedrock of TOS. Please help us remain a vibrant part of the Brookline Jewish community.

Thank you for your continued support.

Stay Safe and Healthy,

The Board of Trustees

Temple Ohabei Shalom