We have heard Rabbi Aaronson say many times since October 7 that we are living through historic times: as Jews, we feel unsafe – perhaps more unsafe than we have since the Holocaust. It feels as if the future of the Jewish people in Israel and across the diaspora is at stake. During these painful months, we've grappled with tough questions, and one of the most pressing is: what actions can we take to preserve the Jewish future and secure our safety in the world? Our clergy has responded with a clear answer: the singular most important step is to belong to a synagogue. We have heard Rabbi Aaronson say many times since October 7 that we are living through historic times: as Jews, we feel unsafe – perhaps more unsafe than we have since the Holocaust. It feels as if the future of the Jewish people in Israel and across the diaspora is at stake. During these painful months, we've grappled with tough questions, and one of the most pressing is: what actions can we take to preserve the Jewish future and secure our safety in the world? Our clergy has responded with a clear answer: the singular most important step is to belong to a synagogue. 

By affiliating, participating and supporting Temple Judea, you ensure a haven for Jews to gather, to celebrate, to connect, to learn, and to pray. Together, we uphold sacred commitments: welcoming new babies into the covenant, educating our youth to become ethical adults, maintaining our traditions, fostering a loving and strong spiritual community, supporting the people of Israel, taking action to repair the world, offering solace in hardship, and celebrating simchas together. Temple Judea stands as a reminder to our community and to the world that we are here - a beacon of light where everyone seeking connection to the Jewish faith is welcome to worship among friends. 

As 2023 draws to a close, many of you are making your final decisions about where to make any year-end donations. As you do, we hope you’ll consider a gift to Temple Judea as a tangible expression of your commitment to the Jewish community – now and for the future.  

We benefit in so many ways when our community thrives - and when you support the synagogue with a donation, you may also benefit financially as well. Explore options for a meaningful gift on our Year End Giving webpage or reach out to Kimberly Birbrower at to discuss what might be right for you. 

If you would like any payment or donation to be accounted for in 2023, click the donate button and make a payment online or send a check postmarked before December 31, 2023.

We enter into 2024 with gratitude, reflecting on all of the blessings of this sacred community. Together, we give thanks and step confidently into the secular New Year knowing we have each done our part to assure a bright future.