President’s Message

            It is amazing how fast one year can go by.  It seems like it was just yesterday that I was installed as President.  But in this year, many great things have happened at Temple Beth Sholom and a large part of it is due to our Board of Directors, Officers, and Committees.  Over the course of this meeting, you will hear reports from Officers and Committee chairs highlighting our accomplishments, but I would like to take a few minutes to highlight a few from this past year. (more…)

By now many of you have heard about the Chai Society, our newly created fundraising campaign.  The Chai Society presents a meaningful opportunity for our members to contribute to the continued growth and vibrancy of our beloved Temple community. As I write this message, over 20 members have already embraced this initiative, demonstrating a strong initial wave of support for our shared future. (more…)

Now that winter has passed, there are exciting events planned to celebrate the warmer weather. I hope you’ll mark your calendars and join us for these fun-filled gatherings. (more…)

Early in December, a member came up to me and mentioned how smoothly my presidency had been going. Little did I know that, at the end of December, we would lose heat in the majority of the synagogue. Both boilers died after a leaking pipe caused water to get into the boiler’s electronics.  (more…)

            As has been the case for the last few month, I am writing this message right before the submission deadline.  I knew I wanted to write about the formation of the Nominating Committee this month, so I looked back at previous synagogue bulletins for inspiration.  Something Lauren wrote in last year’s February bulletin really stood out to me.  She talked about how becoming involved with the synagogue could take different paths, whether it is “dipping a toe in the water or jumping in with both feet.”  (more…)

A few months ago, when I spoke on Yom Kippur, I mentioned two special Shabbat services that occur each month.  I am writing this month’s message right after these special services were held in December. (more…)

Security Updates

About two years ago, it was announced that Temple Beth Sholom was the recipient of a security grant from the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. In the last several months, we have been able to implement many security improvements paid for from this grant. If you have been to the Temple or have driven by in the last month, you probably have seen the bollards that have been installed in front of the main entrance as well as in front of the back office doors to protect the building from a vehicle attempting to enter the building. In August, window security film was installed on all of the ground level windows (except the stain glass windows in the Sanctuary) as well as alldoors into the building. Lastly, radio walkie-talkies have been purchased that will enable those in the building to communicate in case of an emergency. (more…)

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.  (more…)

Having been Ritual Vice President the previous 2 years, I
know just how hectic it gets as we near the New Year. You
may not realize just how much goes into preparing for the
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. (more…)