As my first year of president of Temple Beth Sholom (TBS) comes to a close, I have learned so much from the staff and chairs of the many committees of the Temple. I would like to take this time to recognize them and tell them that their efforts are much appreciated.

Michelle Murphy works closely with our office staff Barbara Varga and Bobbie Kraus. All your questions about our synagogue life, keeping track of all your generous donations, selling grocery store gift cards and numerous phone inquiries are handled with ease by Barbara and Bobbie. If they don’t have the answer, someone is sure to contact you with one. Charlie Turner, our long time custodian , prepares our Saturday Kiddush, sets up and breaks down chairs and tables all hours of the day and night for the many functions that are held in our social hall. Their many hands make light work for the rest of us.

The Executive Board members would not have taken on the responsibilities if they didn’t love what they were doing.

Thanks to Marty Squire, Geoffrey Kanner and David Fried, who handle the financial aspect of TBS. They keep the rest of us on track. Watching our pennies can be a thankless job, but, I want you to know that their many fingers on the calculators make us more accountable for all that is needed in keeping the synagogue running.

Membership chairwomen, Marjorie Drucker and Shira Rosenblatt know that TBS can not grow without a congregation. They spread the news about our special programs, activities and our scheduled services that meet the needs of all who attend. They reach out to prospective members and the community.

Evan Wyner, our House Vice President, is always available to lend a hand. He makes sure our synagogue is a safe place for prayer and study. Evan’s long list of “to do” is continuously growing because our building is in constant use. We are always pleased to open our doors to celebrate baby namings, family gatherings, renewal of vows and b’not mitzvot that are held in our beautiful social hall and sanctuary. His hands keep the roof over our heads and the doors wide open.

Our Communications Vice President, George Alexander, is always updating our website with new information. With a click of the mouse, you can read the Rabbi’s sermons, catch up with photos from our programs, and reach out to the Jewish community both locally and faraway. Our beautifully designed bulletin by editor Steve Salinger is the best in the area. Both their hands work wonders, making sure the congregation receives news in a timely manner.

Judaism and education goes hand in hand with the leadership of Marty Laskin as Education Vice President who works side by side with our creative and talented school directors, Gail Raucher , Sheryl Sadinsky and the teaching staff. New programs are always being implemented to assure learning continues for future generations. As Hebrew School Board of Director Chairperson, Sharon Wise, keeps in touch with the school directors. She monitors the budget and programming all year long. We all ask for you to strongly participate in your child’s Hebrew School education. Marcie Steinberg, our Family Educator, invites our congregants to any Tot Shabbats and Early Family Services.  Planning successful dinners and special infor-mational programs takes a lot of expertise. Your heart will just melt when you see the children sing Shabbat and holiday songs while standing on the Bimah.

Ritual Vice President, Jeri Salomon, oversees all our services. She makes sure everything is in its place for those davening each holiday and Shabbat right down to the cleaning of tallit for the high holidays. It’s a time consuming task that is completed to perfection because of the love Jeri has for synagogue life.
Shari Lipton has been our Recording Secretary for two terms. She keeps copious notes at all the board meetings and her dedication to Temple Beth Sholom is most evident.

The Men’s Club, Sisterhood, and the Adult Education committee are led by Steve Sosensky, Sherri Sosensky, Andrea Joseph, and Al Harary. These arms of the Temple welcome our members to dance, eat, discuss, socialize and pray together. They are a very important part of our synagogue’s growth.
United Synagogue Youth (USY) and Kadima is our future. Your teens and tween-agers led by Jeff Bartell and Andrea Joseph build friendships that will last a lifetime. Working with this special age group takes patience and creativity.

A special thank you goes out to Toby Gillman. Her stamina as the chairperson of the GIFT CARDS fundraiser is certainly beyond anyone’s expectations. Every-one knows her schtick! Our budget and dues can lower if we all participate in purchasing grocery store gift cards. Even if you choose to buy once a month, the purchase will make a difference to our budget. All year round Temple Beth Sholom reaches out to the community, and beyond, thanks to chairperson of the Social Action committee, Diane Kaplan. Diane hears the call and our caring community answers.  

I would like to thank the following chairs of the Standing and Special Committees. All year long we listen to your reports at the board meetings. You have planned and implemented meetings that impact us every day.
Eric Green, Constitution and By-Laws
Marty Rudnick, Cemetery
Marty Bernstein, Endowment
Randy and Ed Berns, Israel Affairs
Nancy Smith, Library
Helene Meltzer, United Synagogue Representative
Andrea Smith and Ellen Dworkin, College Liaison
Joan and Steve Levine, High Holiday Campaign
Miriam Massey and Joan Levine, Food and Services
Debbie Goldberg, Rentals
Michelle Murphy, Shalom Committee
Barbara Stein, Tree of Life
Carol Scharf, Designated Funds
Long Range Planning, Steve Schulefand
Rabbi’s Liaison, Diane Alderman

I would like to wish the following the best and send a big thank you as you leave your chairmanship this year. Your time and commitment was very much appreciated by the TBS community:
Jeff Bartell, Youth Activities and USY Advisor
Andrea Smith and Ellen Dworkin, College Liaison
Shayna Bartell, USY President
Helene Meltzer, USCJ Representative

Many thanks to the Board of Directors who have completed their term of office: Deborah Braun, Stuart Caplan, Miriam Fried, Karen Kaplan, Michelle Murphy, Michael Shane, Jack Weinstein, Sharon Wise, and trustee Burt Slossberg.

I hope to continue to see you at services and programs throughout the year. Your continued involvement is most essential.

The season finale can not forget to highlight the most important key player of All in the Temple. Our congregation knows that Rabbi Scolnic is an inspira-tion. He is more than our spiritual leader. He is person-ally involved in our life cycle events; he is the integral part of our caring community. Rabbi Scolnic has guided me through my first year as President; I look forward to working side by side with him and the new Board of Directors.

Hinda