As the High Holy Days approach, they focus our personal reflections on what is truly important to us. Our recent series of Parlor Meetings also helped us to discover this. These meetings brought together our congregants in an open discussion of our facility and our future. I have also received your numerous phone calls, letters and e-mails on the topic of a shared facility. The Temple Board has heard your voice. After a lengthy deliberation, the following resolution was passed by the Board:

Whereas both the Temple B’nai Jeshurun ("TBJ") Board of Trustees and an overwhelming majority of the Temple membership that has attended parlor meetings to voice their opinions regarding any sharing of a facility with Tifereth Israel Congregation ("TI") have indicated a strong preference for remaining at our current location; Therefore be it resolved that:

Discussions concerning our being a partner in the construction of a new facility in West Des Moines not be continued at this time with the understanding that it is vital for both of us to continue to strive for cooperation between our congregations, that the future health of the Jewish community in Des Moines depends upon such cooperation, and that ensuring the future financial health of the Temple in light of this decision be given a priority by the leadership of the Temple; and

That an on-going dialogue shall continue with TI to discuss ways in which TI and TBJ can work cooperatively to strengthen and ensure the perpetuation of a vibrant Jewish community in Des Moines.

This experience has generated much enthusiasm among our congregants for what we have, and awakened a shared passion to secure our Congregation’s future for our children and grandchildren. I look forward to exploring with you in the coming weeks and months what we can do, individually, as a religious Congregation, and as a community of Jews in Greater Des Moines, to achieve that security.

Sondra, the kids and I wish you the sweetest of New Years.

Chag Sameach,
Stuart