|
The creation of Congregation Mishkan Or is the result of so many congregants, clergy and staff generously sharing time and expertise. We are grateful for their ongoing contributions. Work continues in all operational, educational and liturgical areas. The steering committee is carefully studying and coordinating all unification-related activities. Below you will find an update on major initiatives.
The Legacy and Heritage Committee, led by Patty Inglis and Amy Kaplan, is combining the rich and cherished heritages of each congregation together into one congregational home. An upcoming communication will detail the progress of this committee’s work.
The Finance Committee, led by Russ Klein and Marcel Duhamel, is creating a budget for Fiscal Year 24 using updated, detailed information. In addition to the operational budget, we continue to work on the transitional budget, which includes one-time costs we will incur as our congregations come together to form Mishkan Or.
Executive Director Julianna Johnston Senturia is working closely with clergy and the board, is designing the staffing structure for the new congregation. The new structure is based on assumptions of the current and future needs of congregation Mishkan Or. We hope to have this process completed within the next few weeks.
The Governance Committee, led by Nancy Adams and Jane Joseph, is establishing the governance structure and drafting the code of regulations, which will be voted on by the new Mishkan Or board.
The Communications Committee, led by Jeanne Tobin and Julie Raskind, working with communications partner Falls & Co., continues to detail progress toward the July 1 unification. The Living Room Conversations with Clergy program provides ongoing opportunities for congregants to develop connections with the clergy and each other.
The Facilities Committee, led by Russ Klein, is overseeing preparations for moving Congregation Mishkan Or into the Jack and Lilyan Mandel Building, current home of The Temple-Tifereth Israel, including a small renovation of the clergy suite.
The Real Estate Committee, led by Eric Silver, has initiated activity to sell the current Fairmount Temple building.
The Website and Branding Committee, led by Russell Benghiat and Adam Miller, is overseeing and coordinating the work of both the website and branding subcommittees.
- The Website Subcommittee, led by Evan Stein and Andrew Kahn, is assessing how to seamlessly combine both current temples’ web sites. This work is likely to continue beyond July 1, 2024.
- The Branding Subcommittee, led by Laura Sheridan and Jaclyn Clark, will be working alongside a professional branding firm to establish a strong, consistent brand for Congregation Mishkan Or.
The Foundation Committee, led by Ken Hochman, Michael Perlmuter and Don Scherzer, has started a new code of regulations for a combined foundation. Initially, the funds from each congregation will be managed separately.
As our committees continue their work, we remain focused on the opportunity to create an innovative, multi-generational Reform Jewish congregation that warmly welcomes everyone and ignites engagement through robust offerings as a vibrant, spiritual community. Watch for upcoming communications sharing our progress. Thank you for your continued support as we work to create Mishkan Or!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to President Michele Krantz here.
| 
