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Dear Members and Friends,

I hope that you are enjoying some summer relaxation and maybe a getaway or two. As President of Torat Emet I have found that the summer is a good time for reflection and preparation.  I am most excited about the recent surge in membership over the past two years and especially the last six months, even as we have said farewell to several special families. Over thirty families and individuals have joined Torat Emet and the heightened energy is evident at all levels of synagogue programming and especially on Shabbat. Equally thrilling was the outstanding performance of Dudu Fisher at our Main Event last month. Those who were able to attend were treated to a great performance by a first class performer.  I want to give special thanks to Michael Broidy, Liz Kalef and the Main Event committee for an uplifting evening of great food and music.

Looking forward I want you to know that the leadership of Torat Emet is hard at work making the necessary staff adjustments as Liz Kalef prepares for her departure early this fall, and as we continue to plan another year of outstanding shul programming.  Rabbi Zack and I are organizing a transition team to review and update our staffing needs and to engage more member volunteers.  Rabbi Neuman is already hard at work on our Fall Program schedule and brochure.  He is also staffing a committee to review and update our kiddush menus, kiddush team needs and the financial support needed to enhance our weekly kiddush. 

In addition to our regular programming Torat Emet will be the lead partner this year in an exciting Israel engagement program called Amiel-Bakehilla (www.amiel-bakehila.org) which is being funded by the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs.  Five times during this calendar year a team of three Israelis, an educator, an artist, and an Israel engager will visit Columbus for several days of large and small group programming.  This cohort will visit Columbus, Kansas City, and Providence.  Our local partners include Jewish Columbus, Temple Israel and Tifereth Israel. We are very proud that Torat Emet was approached from Israel to be the gateway partner for this program. The inaugural visit is scheduled for September 17-19.  More details will follow.

Finally, it is my main responsibility as synagogue president to ensure the financial health and vitality of our Torat Emet community.   As we approach the month of August and the renewal of your membership commitment, I want to encourage you to think about elevating your annual commitment to Torat Emet and consider participating in our Pillars program if you can.  Rabbi Zack and the Torat Emet board have designed a creative format to maximize your giving and enhance the recognition of your support on an annual basis. In addition to securing much needed funds, you will be subject to only one “ask” a year, and you get to choose which programs and fundraisers you want support.  Please take a moment to review the attached flyer and consider becoming a Torat Emet Pillar.

Thank You,

Dr. Michael Blumenfeld

Family Kabbalat Shabbat & Dinner  Subsidize this program for $180 (includes family admission) Underwrite this program for $1,250 (each occurance) PJs & Havdalah  Underwrite this program for $200 Pre-Purim Carnival  Underwrite this program for $1,500

Click here to underwrite any of these programs Thank you to Jonathan and Nicole Schottenstein for generously underwriting our Pizza & Game Night in the Sukkah program Thank you to Ayala and David Kohn for generously underwriting our Parshat Noach Exotic Petting Zoo program Thank you to Adina and Ben Kozberg for generously underwriting lunch for the Parshat Noach Exotic Petting Zoo program Thank you to Joey and Lindsay Schottenstein for generously underwriting lunch for the Parhsat Noach Exotic Petting Zoo program Thank you to Naomi Brenner and Ari Berger for generously subsidizing the first Family Kabbalat Shabbat & Dinner program

• Fast of the 17th of Tammuz -- July 21st
• Tisha B'Av -- August 11th