The Operative Word

Madness in the Air!

As I write this article, we are in the middle of March Madness. Why do I mention this? Because Beth Tfiloh is in the middle of its own March Madness! Before you say to the person next to you, “The new guy has lost it already,” let me explain.

To me, the phrase “March Madness” is less about the individual games taking place, and more about the change in the attitudes of the participants, media, and fans. At this time of year, there is a collective enthusiasm that arises, a heightened sense of excitement, potential, and collective watercooler moments. Even many of those who never pay attention to college basketball can’t help but get caught in the wave.

That’s where we are at Beth Tfiloh as well. There is an incredible sense of “wow” and excitement about what is happening and what is to come, and whether you are a regular attendee or someone who still hasn’t fully committed to returning to the building since Covid, the feeling seems pervasive. Rabbi Posner describes this feeling in action when he talks about his installation on page 4. The momentum that came from Installation Weekend carried us directly into Purim, where more than 1,000 people came to Beth Tfiloh and celebrated with our clergy, our staff, and each other in Rabbi Posner’s vision of authenticity, inspiration, and relevance! The momentum that came from installation weekend carried us directly into Purim, where more than 1,000 people came to Beth Tfiloh and celebrated with our clergy, our staff, and each other in a way that brought Rabbi Posner’s vision of authentic, inspiring, and relevant programs to life!

This feeling and sense of excitement and change is not just evident in our programs and holidays. It is happening behind the scenes as well. Talia Jordan and our programming and engagement team are hard at work envisioning what this coming year will look like. Our new programming center (thank you Russel family!) will be unveiled this fall. We are starting the process to find our new chazzan. The Sanctuary Renovation Task Force is beginning their important work. New processes and procedures are being rolled out across several of our departments. And this is all just the tip of the iceberg. Familiar faces are working closely with new team members to make BT the amazing, special place we all know it is — and will continue to be.

Catch the “madness,” and come with us on this incredible journey!