Am I Ready?

July 2017 Newsletter Article

It is an honor to be starting my term as Congregation Shalom’s President. I feel humbled to be entrusted with this role, and eager to rise to the challenge of leading our community. I feel the task of nurturing and supporting our vibrant Jewish community is a sacred one, and I will do all that I can to lead with enthusiasm and mindfulness.

Our immediate Past President, Tamar Wexler, along with many others, has helped me to understand that, although there are often many sides to an issue, there is usually one direction that encompasses our Jewish values and allows us to move forward with clarity. She hands the reins to me with many important tasks well underway, including re-writing of our governing ByLaws, a committee actively working on long term planning, and a parking lot project that is very close to completion. Speaking of which, I offer a big thank you to Mitch Hyatt who, along with expert advice from Linda Lischer, is transforming the entryway of our building with beautiful plantings.

As we continue celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of Congregation Shalom this year, it is clear that I stand on the shoulders of all those who have labored to create our community – founding members, past presidents, our Rabbis, school staff, and all those members who have believed in the value of this Jewish community. I plan to continue their work, while looking to the needs of the future so Congregation Shalom can continue to thrive for another fifty years. I’m hoping everyone will come celebrate and share the pride we feel at our 50th Anniversary Gala on October 15.

Luckily, the duties and responsibilities of this office are not undertaken alone. I will rely on the officers – Liz Denly (Vice President), Cayla Maguire (Second Vice President), Rosanne Riddick (Treasurer), Janet Dubner (Recording Secretary), and Sandy Moore (Recording Secretary). I look forward to working with this group, as well as the entire Board of Trustees. We have the important work of leading our temple today and into its future.

A few people have asked me recently, “Are you ready?” My answer is complicated. I clearly do not know every detail about Congregation Shalom. But I do have faith in the people all around me here. I don’t underestimate the possibilities when working with committed, high quality people, and that is one reason I’m so comfortable taking on this responsibility. With our Rabbi, Education Director, office staff, committee chairs, and many volunteers from the congregation, I know there will always be someone to help tackle the issues that need to be addressed. In addition, I feel in my heart the fundamental importance of this place. So that is more than enough to make me confidently reply, “Yes, I’m ready!”