President's Message - June 2008

I have a routine for my bulletin articles. Normally, I write the draft, spend a few days re-reading and editing it and then I send it off to Ben Marvin who edits it yet again. I value Ben’s revisions and I always feel better about submitting something for the bulletin after he has had a chance to read it. Thank you, Ben! I’ve enjoyed working with you and I appreciate the time you have taken to work with me. This time, however, it’s different. I told him that this time I wouldn’t be sending him my article. It’s my last article as President, I have a lot to say and however it comes out, it comes out. I will be stepping down at the Annual Meeting, which will be held on Tuesday, June 17 at 7:00 pm (with desserts starting at 6:30 pm).

First, I would like to say that I have truly enjoyed my time as President of the congregation. Sure, it’s an ego booster to carry this title. But the perks go way beyond that. I have learned so much about leadership and I definitely have a clearer idea of my strengths and weaknesses in this category (do I ever!). I have also learned about the day-to-day running of the synagogue and am so impressed with all the people who are involved in making things happen here. This is a special place, full of talented people who are committed to B’nai Sholom. It energizes me to talk with them. It’s a treat.

There are many people who have made my time as president easier and enjoyable. Some have offered a kind word and some have offered help when I felt like I was in a bind. Either way, it has made a big impact on me and I am, once again, grateful to have had the chance to give back.

During my two years, I leaned heavily on the Executive committee and the Board. I ran a lot of ideas by the Executive committee and the feedback and support I received from them has been invaluable. The Board has also been wonderful and has given me good guidance. It feels good to have this kind of support and it has encouraged me to tackle some challenges. I can think of several times when I went off course as I was trying to find my way through a particular challenge, but Rabbi Cashman, the Executive committee or the Board would gently get me back on track. I never felt like they weren’t there for support. That is to all of their credit. It has been a privilege to work with all of them.

I took advantage of my title to get to know some committees better. I invited myself to their meetings or asked them about different programs or activities. They have all been wonderful to get to know and this has been one of my favorite things to do. As I’ve talked with the different committees, I’ve learned more about the programs and activities that the committees organize. It’s amazing how involved and dedicated they are - I have always felt like the committees are the backbone of this synagogue and I believe it now more than ever.

The same goes for Becky Marvin and Sandra Goldmeer. They are dedicated and hard working. That the synagogue runs smoothly is due to Becky Marvin’s efficiency and expertise. It seems like no matter what the issue, Becky can handle it and handle it well. She has been a great resource and I have enjoyed working with her. She is another one on whom I leaned heavily and has given me valuable guidance.

Our Religious School is something we should be proud of and that can be credited largely to Sandra Goldmeer’s efforts. I have a lasting image in my mind of how excited people were to see each other on the first day of religious school. The synagogue was buzzing with energy and excitement. There is a nice feel to our religious school and Sandra helps to set this tone. She has done great things with our religious school program.

Rabbi Cashman - well, where to begin. He has taught me, encouraged me and guided me throughout these two years. Growing up, I did not have a close relationship with my rabbi. Part of it was on me – I did not make much of an effort – and part of it was that, for me, he was not so approachable. It took some time for me to realize that it is a whole different ballgame with Rabbi Cashman – that he is there, and he is very involved with all aspects of the synagogue. I have appreciated that so much and I value his input and his perspective. I especially value his approachability and his ability to establish relationships with congregants, young and old (or should I say younger and older). It’s special.

Then there are all of the congregants I have gotten to know over the past two years (whom I haven’t mentioned already). Through my tasks as president, I have had the chance to meet people that I don’t think I would have met otherwise. I am grateful for this chance.

And, there is my family. They have given me the space to do this, to embark upon this challenge. We knew that it would take up some of my time and we found a new balance in our family life so I could accommodate the work I had to do for the temple. They have been my foundation – they have helped me with speeches, with bulletin articles and most of all with their patience with me. Their love, wisdom and understanding kept me on track and from that foundation I could go on and meet the challenges.

Now, as my two years are winding down, I feel like there is still a lot I want to do. I hope to continue some of the work I have started this year. I realize that there are lots of opportunities here at B’nai Sholom, lots of open doors and behind each one of them is a group of warm and welcoming people.

Thank you to all, for making my time gratifying and rewarding, for giving me the chance to take chances and to grow. For being so understanding, for having such a great sense of humor and for all those kind words.

Carol