2022/2023 HIGHLIGHTS
Kol Shofar’s influential presence in Marin continues to flourish because of the support of our members. This past fall, we launched the Grove Preschool, enrolling 58 students. With this youthful energy, in the context of a loving, Jewish environment and program, the Grove has infused our grounds and halls with another level of joy in the moment and hope for the future. Our goal to increase intergenerational programming came to life with Grove families participating in Hanukkah, Purim and Yom Haatzma’ut programming, as well as monthly Tot Shabbat services led by Cantor Naomi. We also saw that intergenerational promise in the Beit Binah program with, a Ritual Fair led by several Ritual Committee members and lay leaders, as well as a Generations Day, where grandparents and special friends were able to learn with our students.
The thread of music throughout the year inspired many of us, beginning with an incredible Cantor’s Installation and Concert, and continuing on with monthly Friday Night Musical Services, Beit T’Shuvah’s Freedom Song performance, and the Jewish bluegrass band, Jacob’s Ladder.
Our year was also flavored by an array of visiting scholars. Rabbi Ed Feinstein shared his wisdom with us on the occasion of Rabbi Steinberg’s installation as Senior Rabbi. Rabbi Adam Naftalin Kelman from UC Berkeley provided a timely lecture on anti-Semitism on college campuses. Dr. Masua Sagiv educated us on the struggle in Israel over its democratic values. Regarding Israel, Kol Shofar is confirmed for its first communal mission to Israel in well over a decade this coming fall.
In the year to come, we will look to enhancing our Beit Binah and Youth Programs, as we are thrilled to welcome Rabbi Rory Katz as our Director of Life-Long Learning. Rabbi Rory previously served as the spiritual leader of Congregation Chevrei Tzedek in Baltimore. Prior to rabbinical school, she worked in both formal and informal educational settings, serving in roles ranging from case manager at a Reggio Emilia preschool to volunteer coordinator at an alternative high school.
The synagogue continues to be the sole Jewish institution that serves families from cradle to grave, from generation to generation, and offers a communal home wherein each and every one of us is seen for their unique divine gifts; indeed, wherein each and every one matters. The synagogue is an aspirational institution always self-reflecting and seeking to improve and grow by utilizing our collective spirit and imagination. This past year is a reflection of that spiritual endeavor and is launching us into yet another exciting year together.
MANY MEMBERS ASK, WHERE DO MY MEMBERSHIP DOLLARS GO?
2022/23
(without preschool)
Personnel $1,634,800
Facility/Utilities 167,900
Mortgage 162,700
Other Ops./Program 177,100
Insurance 50,900
Fees + Misc. 25,200
Total $2,218,600
MANY ALSO ASK, WHAT ARE THE SOURCES OF KOL SHOFAR REVENUE?
2022/23 Fiscal Year
(with preschool)
Membership $1,064,100
BBnT Tuition 156,800
Preschool 1,199,200
Fundraising 690,300
Rentals+ Other 97,200
Cemetery 91,100
Capital Campaign Fund 162,700
Total $3,461,400
WHY DOES KOL SHOFAR FUNDRAISE BEYOND MEMBERSHIP?
Not all members of our community are able to give at a sustaining level to cover the cost of running the synagogue. Our Annual High Holy Day Appeal and Gala “fill this gap” and ensure that all who wish to engage in our Kehillah Kedoshah are able to do so.
