A few months ago, I was sitting next to the Rabbi during a Shabbat morning service,  and like she does almost every month, Gerry Ganezer was about to chant the Blessing for Rosh Chodesh.  I remarked to the Rabbi how many members have their special “part” in helping our Temple.   The Rabbi agreed and also said  “that sounds like a great topic for a speech” – How everyone has their part.  Since that conversation I have reflected on how this Temple would not succeed if not for its members and their unique roles and responsibilities, many of which have not been assigned or elected but rather taken on by their own initiative. 

 

From those who lead services to those who are on our Staying Connected committee reaching out to congregants throughout the year.  

 

From those who create programs to those who fundraise so those programs can occur.  

 

From those who work to ensure events are safe and secure to the Social Action committee providing assistance to our community at large.

 

I could speak for many minutes about all of the committees, programs and events here at Temple Beth Sholom, but I would like to highlight just a few.  Afterall it has been recommended to me by past presidents to try and keep this speech short.

 

The Adult Education committee chaired by Ira Kleinfeld ensures that the congregation has programs throughout the year that educate and enlighten our members.  Last year, the committee partnered with Congregation Mishkan Israel and Jewish Historical Society of New Haven on the Meeting the Moment program.  The committee recently announced that this program will continue for a second year.

 

Linda Greengas has taken on the responsibility of running our grocery card program. Linda has made it as simple as possible for members to purchase grocery cards.  You no longer have to come to the office and hope that they are in stock, you can simply email Linda and she will work with you to deliver them.

 

Eta Kaplan, Shira Rosenblatt, Ellen Dworkin and Andrea Smith make time twice a month buying and preparing Kiddushes for Shabbat mornings.  But we need help, that still leaves half of the Shabbats we need assistance.  Can you do your part and help with just one Shabbat Kiddush this year?  

 

Even our younger members voluntarily take on their part. As the parent of two Hebrew school students, one of my favorite events the past year was watching our Hebrew school students lead services on various Shabbats.  Rather than have the entire school participate in one service the school was broken up into small groups of various ages.  Hailey Weissman helped teach all of our students to lead these services.  Sitting up on the Bimah as Ritual VP right near the students as they led services, I was able to see not only how excited each student was leading, I could also see in the pews how proud parents and family members were of their children.  

 

So now the question is what is YOUR part?  For some it may be just continuing to do what you already do, maybe doing a little more. Maybe it is coming up with a new idea for a program. If you have an idea for a new program let someone know.  A few years ago, Rabbi Scolnic led a discussion of the book Where the Crawdads Sing.  Afterwards, my wife Jessica was so excited about the discussion that she emailed the Rabbi and suggested that there should be a TBS Book Club.  Now, in just a few months, the book club will be reading their 50th book.

 

It may be doing something for the first time.  For example, our Ritual Vice President David Slossberg is starting a new monthly Shabbat program beginning in November.  At one Shabbat morning service each month, we hope to honor birthdays and anniversaries and other simchas occurring that month.  During this service we are encouraging congregation participation in the service including Torah readings.  If you haven’t read from the Torah before, I know you might be more than a little nervous.  It has been over 20 years since I have read from the Torah, but at some point in the next year, it is my goal to once again read from the Torah.  Please look out for more information soon about these monthly Shabbat programs.

 

All of these parts and programs I have mentioned this evening would not be possible without financial support.  Having served on the Budget committee, we strive to keep dues at an affordable level.  However, our dues cannot support all of our programs.  If you haven’t already received this year’s High Holiday Appeal mailing, you should be receiving it very soon.  Your generosity will enable our committees to continue providing meaningful programs.

 

Speaking of “parts”, now comes the part of the speech you probably have been waiting for, the announcement of this year’s President’s Award.

 

Since 1991, the President’s Award has recognized those members of our congregation who have done their part to make this Temple and our community a stronger place.  This year’s recipient has been a member of Temple Beth Sholom for over 30 years. During that time, she has seen her son and daughter have their Bar and Bat Mitzvah here on the bimah and currently has grandchildren in our Hebrew School where she taught for 10 years. Currently, she is on our Safety and Security committee but most importantly she tirelessly serves as the Chairperson of our Board of Education.  

 

All of the past and current Hebrew School parents and students owe so much to her. She is the point person between the principal, teachers, Rabbi, and the Board of Education, making sure that the students’ experience in Hebrew School is meaningful, challenging, and fun. During the pandemic she coordinated with the teachers and parents so that each student would be able seamlessly continue with their Jewish education.  She helped to create virtual classes where students could still learn Hebrew, tefilot, and about their Jewish culture from various teachers.

 

Every year, she helps plan multiple school events, including the Simchat Torah dinner, Hanukkah celebration, and Purim carnival, helping to bring the holidays to life for the students.  Within the past few years, she has spearheaded a Young Families program, geared towards families with children from ages 2 through 6, in the hopes of bringing Jewish education to our youngest learners and hopefully bringing in new members.

 

This past summer, she led the search for the new Hebrew School principal, who is bringing in new, exciting programs and opportunities for the students.  You will often see her at the Temple helping in so many other ways, such as organizing classrooms and preparing Kiddushes, just to name a few.    

 

So, in recognition and appreciation of her longstanding dedication and commitment to the improvement of our community, this year’s President’s Award is presented to Ellen Dworkin.