A few weeks ago, at the TE Annual Meeting, I talked about Phil Pivawer z’l and his legacy. Phil served as President of Temple Emanuel twice, over 50 years ago – in fact, it was during his first presidency that our current location was purchased in 1971, establishing a permanent home for TE. Over the years I have heard the stories about the efforts to make it happen from Phil, as well as from Rabbi Winer. But it was only last year, when preparing eulogy for Phil, that I realized just how young they both were – Phil was 31, and Rabbi Winer was 29! The pioneering spirit of those early TE days has impacted our community culture and continues to resonate still. The desire to fashion the community which is our shared Jewish home remains at the heart of everything we do.
Over the years, Phil has quietly (and mostly anonymously) supported every important endeavor at TE. Whether it was an emergency loan for a new roof, or a Second Half Century efforts campaign, the expansion of our building or a matching grant to encourage increased Fair Share giving, Phil has never ceased to support TE, keeping it afloat and gently nudging it towards greater sustainability. Most of these efforts were anonymous, because Phil took the Jewish teachings on tzedakah seriously. He wasn’t looking for recognition, but he wanted to make sure important needs were addressed. It was only in the last few months of his life that he began to accept that people should know at least some of his imprint, and be inspired to consider what legacy and what impact they may have on TE.
About a year before his death Phil invited Olga and me to lunch and shared with us some of his plans: he was leaving funds to TE, some in the name of his late wife Barbara, and some from his estate. The money will of course be overseen by TE treasurers, but I was to become a steward of some of it, while Olga, in her capacity as school director, will be the steward of funds directed at education and school needs. We were of course stunned and promised to think about the possible projects. When Phil was rushed to the emergency room in December, he was calm and collected – but he also made sure he reminded me of his clear instructions for a few things, including these gifts, before he allowed me to ask about his wellbeing! I assured him that I will honor his wishes, of course – even if, in that moment, I didn’t fully appreciate the significance of it all.
Phil was a passionate supporter of TE. He wanted it vibrant. He wanted it relevant. He wanted it sustainable. He knew that TE as we know it was the result of pioneering spirit, creative energy and communal commitment. He also knew very well that sheer enthusiasm is not always enough, you need resources and support. So his legacy, and the not-so-subtle ‘nudge’ that he has given me is this: figure out what TE needs NOW, in this moment, and make it happen. Any such vision requires financial support – and Phil wanted to make sure he gave us the seed funds to do the important work. He wasn’t trying to tell us what to do – even though Phil had plenty of ideas about TE, just ask any member of Finance Committee, where he continued to serve until the end. He wanted the next generation of TE leaders to figure it out, and he wanted us to know that we have his support, his blessing, and yes, a nudge to go for it.
As we embark on this journey, we acknowledge with gratitude this support and encouragement, and we invite you to join us, and the TE Board and Officers, in figuring out what TE’s future truly needs in this moment.