March 2008

Dear Fellow Congregant,

All of us are at Ohr HaTorah in large part, because we recognize Rabbi Finley to be a unique teacher and spiritual leader in the Jewish community. If you come on Shabbat or have ever attended High Holy Days services you must have been introduced to the rabbi's wisdom which he shares through teaching tradition and text, something that continuously helps us all become conscious of the work we need to do in order to become better people.

If you've ever sought counseling from the Rabbi — whether it be the happy occasion of an impending marriage, or trying times like sickness or other personal difficulties — you've experienced first-hand the compassion, insight and comfort that he so uniquely provides. We have all made a choice to be a part of Ohr HaTorah. This choice along with the privileges we are so fortunate to have, brings responsibility.

And what makes Ohr HaTorah wonderful doesn't just stop with Rabbi Finley. It's the intimate and in-depth religious school, that goes beyond just providing the 'nuts and bolts' of Jewish practice, but forces kids to dig deeper to confront and wrestle with important moral and spiritual issues. It's the sometimes raucous and always fun holiday celebrations, be it Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim, etc. And, of course, it's all of us: the diverse, interesting and seeking individuals and families who comprise this community.

We are writing to ask for your help to ensure the continuity of our community. Ohr HaTorah relies on contributions above and beyond dues to meet its annual budgetary forecast each year, as do all synagogues. This past November, as in every year, we sent out our Annual Giving Campaign package in which supporters were asked to make pledges for this fiscal year.

The majority of the congregation has not responded or contributed, even though we only have three months left in this fiscal year. Ohr HaTorah is carrying a $40,000 shortfall from the last fiscal year, and are facing a similar one this June, the end of our current fiscal year. The organization's budget is extremely lean, and cuts have been made each year to reduce potential deficits. However, there aren't any more cuts of any significance to make. At this point, we will only be able to cover the shortfall if all members and supporters participate and share the burden of contributing above and beyond dues.

Out of the 300 membership household units of the Ohr HaTorah community, if 140 contributed $500 each, we would be clear of debt and have a clean start for the new fiscal year (which begins July 1st). This is with the hope, of course, that those of you who can afford it will donate larger amounts of $1,000 and up. If you can't contribute at these levels, please do what you can. While every donation counts, we ask that at this time you reach to support the synagogue in a significant way.

As you know, we are at an important transitional period, as we will be leaving our current Shabbat location in the fall. As exciting as this move may be, it brings additional potential financial burdens for the organization. We must each take personal responsibility to make sure our operating expenses are covered as soon as possible and allow our leadership's energy to be dedicated to securing a new home for our congregation.

As was discussed in a prior communication, we have several exciting prospects in the works, and are enthusiastic about our options. But, we need your support to be able to move ahead.

Please do not delay; contribute now. You can donate online in a secure manner by clicking here: www.ohrhatorah.org, or by mailing your contribution to Ohr HaTorah, 12410 Burbank Blvd., Suite 100, Valley Village, CA 91607.

Thank you in advance for your continued support of Ohr HaTorah and helping to make it a rich and exciting spiritual home for us all.

Sincerely,

Sheri Porath Rockwell Officer and Director sheri@ohrhatorah.org	Sheila Coop President and Director sheila@ohrhatorah.org	Robb Strom Treasurer robb@ohrhatorah.org

12410 Burbank Blvd., Suite 100, Valley Village, CA 91607 Phone: (310) 278-9049 or (818) 769-8223 · Fax: (818) 769-4512 Email: office@ohrhatorah.org · Web Site: www.ohrhatorah.org