Kol Nidrei

Kol Nidrei Annual Appeal

Dear Friends,

With the High Holidays quickly approaching, we pause to reflect on the blessings of the past year and the strength we draw from being part of this sacred community. Thank you for sharing life’s journey with us, for showing up in moments of joy and sorrow, and for helping us build a Kehillah Kedoshah. We are stronger and better because of you.

We, the current and past presidents of The Community Synagogue, are proud to lead a congregation that is rooted in tradition, inspired by purpose, and strengthened by community. We remain a synagogue that is growing in both spirit and size. Our home continues to be a vibrant place of Jewish learning, prayer, justice, and connection. Our schools, from the youngest learners in the Early Childhood Center to our thriving Religious School students, are filled with energy, joy, and a commitment to Jewish values.

This year brings with it a powerful sense of renewal as we joyfully welcome Rabbi Melissa Buyer-Witman as our new Senior Rabbi, along with her husband Mike and their children Josie, Lily, and Nessa. Rabbi Buyer-Witman joins our already exceptional clergy and professional team. We hope you find time to join us at one of the many opportunities scheduled to welcome them home. Together, we look forward to deepening our sacred work and reaching even more of our community.

We also recognize that this past year continues to be one of deep pain and turmoil for the Jewish people. The war in Israel has left so many of us feeling heartbroken, anxious, and uncertain. At the same time, Jews around the world continue to face a troubling rise in antisemitism, hatred, and threats to our identity. These challenges have been sobering and, at times, overwhelming. But in moments like these, we are reminded why The Community Synagogue matters so deeply. It is more than a building. It is a spiritual home, a place of comfort, strength, and belonging. It is where we gather to pray, to learn, to celebrate, and to support one another with love and resilience.

As you prepare for the upcoming Days of Awe, we invite you to support our annual Kol Nidrei campaign. Your generosity helps sustain the daily operations of The Community Synagogue. Your support ensures that we can continue to provide meaningful worship, outstanding education, pastoral care, social justice work, community programs, and the safety and security that allow us to do it all. It is customary during this sacred season to honor the memory of loved ones through charitable giving. A contribution to the Kol Nidrei campaign can be a beautiful and lasting tribute. We are proud to share that our entire Board of Trustees has already reached 100 percent participation in contributions to this year’s Kol Nidrei campaign. We now ask you to join us. Every gift, no matter the amount, makes a difference. Please give as generously as your heart and circumstances allow. Your support ensures that we can remain a strong, welcoming, and enduring spiritual home for all who enter.

Thank you for being an essential part of our sacred community. We look forward to beginning this New Year with you.

The various gift categories are:

Platinum $10,000 and over
Diamond $5,000 to $9,999
Gold $2,500 to $4,999
Silver $1,000 to $2,499
Bronze $500 to $999
Pewter Up to $499

All donations are appreciated and will be displayed on our Kol Nidrei Tribute sign in the Main Lobby.


Warmly,

The Past and Present Presidents of The Community Synagogue

Mara Silverstein (current President), Mark Eisenberg (2020-2023), Deena Katz (2017-2020), Jack Mandel (2014-2017), Larry Helft (2009-2014), Howard Schiff (2005-2009), Larry Tarica (2001-2005), Jane Broido (1997-2001), Michael Rubinberg (1993-1997), Georgia DeYoung (1989-1993), Larry Rothenberg (1983-1987) and Brian Sindel (1979-1981)