PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

While fall is my favorite season, thanks to an October birthday and being a marching band geek, I am also much more of a fan of winter than summer. There are so many things to do in the winter both inside and out that are appealing. Being cold is infinitely preferable to me than being hot. Realizing I am usually in the minority with this opinion, I don’t express it too frequently. That said, one thing most Iowans agree on is that it can be hard to gather in the winter as a desire to hunker down can make it difficult. That is precisely the reason we (re)scheduled the Temple’s 150th celebration for February 24. It is the perfect time to come together as a congregation to recognize this momentous milestone. There will be yummy appetizers, desserts, and drinks including a champagne toast to our previous 150 years and good wishes for the next 150; wonderful live music from our very own Chuck Kuba, Sam Miller and others; and, most of all, a chance to schmooze and celebrate with each other, which I believe is sorely needed now. Everyone deserves a night out and this is a great one to choose.

The celebration is also a fundraiser for the endowment to ensure our future for at least 150 more years. The silent auction will have one-of-a-kind experiences presented for bidding at all price points. For example, Rabbi Neal and his wife are offering pizza and a game night at their house. There are tickets to a show and a behind-the-scenes tour at the Civic Center or Iowa Cubs skybox tickets along with some swag. You can get coffee and bagels with gift cards to Brueggers, Scooters, and Starbucks. Judy and Stuart Shkolnick have donated a weekend at their home in Arizona. This is only a small sample of the almost 40 unique packages you will see that night. Watch the Temple’s emails and Facebook feed for more of the amazing items available. Your generosity when bidding on these items provides funds for the Temple to continue to be our Jewish home for worship, education, and community. Thank you in advance for your support.

This adults-only event is going to be fabulous thanks to the work of the 150th committee of Edye Beckerman, Judy Deutch, Sharon Goldford, Rachele Hjelmaas, and Miriam Van Heukelem. Get your tickets – $54 per person – from Erin at the Temple Office by February 9. Let her know if you need a ride as we can make that happen. Reach out to me at president@tbjdsm.org with any questions. I am thrilled to be able to commemorate this special occasion with all of you. You won’t want to miss it!

Emily Kruse