TBS News and Information

TBS is embracing a valuesdriven approach to philanthropy—one that reflects our mission, our vision, and our deep commitment to Jewish life.

At the heart of our congregation is our mission: to care for one another and the world around us. This guiding principle calls us to invest in the inclusive spiritual, educational, and communal life of TBS, ensuring that our synagogue remains a vibrant center of Jewish connection and purpose.

To bring this mission to life, we are introducing six dedicated funds that are inspired by our purpose and values. Each fund enriches an essential aspect of our shared Jewish life —nurturing spiritual experiences, strengthening our sacred community, advancing lifelong learning, engaging in acts of justice and loving kindness, ensuring that our physical and digital spaces remain welcoming and sacred, and keeping the heartbeat of our congregation strong and resilient. A task force is evaluating our current funds and aligning them with one of our new funds to go into effect on July 1st.

For example, after July 1st, instead of donating to the Jacobius Library Fund, you can donate to the Talmud Torah Fund, which encompasses lifelong learning. This way, your donation will have a direct impact on lifelong learning in the present, even if there is not a current need specifically for the library, and when there is a specific need for the library, there will be appropriate funds available. We will continue to honor Mr. Jacobius in the library itself, so his name will not be forgotten.

Through these funds, every contribution—large or small—is an act of tzedakah, helping us fulfill our highest aspirations as a congregation.

Our Six Funds

✡ Kavanah – Intentional Spirituality

Our Kavanah Fund fosters our spiritual connection to God, energizing our souls through prayer, music, and study. Contributions support meaningful spiritual experiences, including Jewish music, prayer books, special services, and the care of our Torah scrolls.

✡ Kehilah – Sacred Community

The Kehilah Fund strengthens our bonds with one another, creating circles of connection within TBS and beyond. Contributions support communal programs and celebrations, Shabbat dinners, lay-leadership development, and collaboration with partners that amplify our impact, such as the URJ, Abiding Presence, and JCCNV.

✡ Talmud Torah – Lifelong Learning

Jewish learning is a lifelong journey, shaping our identity and deepening our faith. The Talmud Torah Fund ensures that Jewish education thrives at TBS for children, teens, and adults alike. Contributions support our Religious School, provide scholarships for youth programs, and enhance adult learning opportunities and educational resources.

✡ Tikkun Olam – Repairing the World

Our commitment to Tikkun Olam and Chesed calls us to care for the world and uplift those in need. The Tikkun Olam Fund supports our work in humanitarian aid, social justice, and acts of loving-kindness. Contributions help fund initiatives that extend compassion beyond our walls, such as TBS Fights Hunger, Afghan refugee support, Tzedek, Yom Chesed, and arising opportunities to heal our broken world.

✡ Mishkan – Sacred Dwelling

Our synagogue is more than a building; it is a sacred space where we gather, pray, learn, and celebrate as a Reform Jewish community. The Mishkan Fund ensures that our spiritual home is fitting of its holiness- -welcoming, accessible, and beautiful. Contributions support beautifying our grounds, interior and exterior improvements, accessibility enhancements, and technological upgrades that connect our community in-person and online.

✡ Chai - General Fund

TBS dues cover approximately 70% of the temple’s operating budget each year. The Chai Fund sustains the heartbeat of our community, helping to close the gap required for the essential daily operations that keep TBS flourishing. It reminds us that our congregation is a living, breathing community – one that depends on the generosity of our members to thrive. Contributions help us sustain our clergy, support our talented staff, and ensure that TBS has the operational endurance to preserve our spiritual home. It includes High Holiday gifts, Circles of Giving, Chanukah Campaign, and any other general contributions.

A New Way to Give, A New Way to Build

This new framework for philanthropy enables each member of our congregation to give in a way that is personally meaningful. Whether your passion lies in deepening spiritual connection, strengthening our community, nurturing Jewish learning, repairing the world, or sustaining our sacred building, your contributions will make a direct and lasting impact. By contributing to these mission-driven funds, we can direct resources to where they are most needed, paving the way for more intentional programming, initiatives, and improvements. Together, we will sustain TBS as a place of holiness, learning, and belonging—for today and generations to come. If you have any questions about our new funds, please email Michelle Glicklin at treasurer@tbsonline.org. Alex Eic