Looking Forward
Temple Beth El, 2004 was a year of change and growth. Rabbi
Schindler was installed as Senior Rabbi, Arthur Kramer retired and we
were fortunate to get Sara Schreibman as our new Executive Director.
We started the Susan Kramer Healing Center and a Chevrah Kaddishah (a
Holy Burial Society). More than 50 children moved to adulthood as they
became Bar and Bat Mitzvah and we began a new Anshei Mitzvah class. We
gave the David Silverman Social Hall a major update and made major
building repairs.
We added 80 new members and started the Chavurah 5765 with a warm
welcome at an open house hosted by the Wallachs. The second One-for-All
Ball was a great success. A new 5-year plan is being implemented by our
creative, energetic and talented Board, and through committee work. Our
Temple family observed a beautiful and spiritual High Holidays. And, our
congregation became even more involved in Temple activities.
What's ahead for 2005? A year of maturing as we absorb
last year's changes, and a year of continued changes as well. Plans are
in place to update our technology to increase our efficiency, and
improve our communications to you and the community at large. Look for
us to revamp our processes, tighten our internal controls and improve
your overall experience in working with the Temple. Our "A" team
professional staff is in place for the foreseeable future and is as fine
a group as you will find in any Temple. We are very fortunate to have
the blend of talent and experience our professionals and Temple staff
possess.
The results for 2005 should be more wonderful
services, programming, education, Mitzvah making, life cycle
experiences, and a plan to be ready for the next ten years. We are all
working very hard to keep our Temple the special place that it is, and
an important part of our lives.
The best news is that the work and activity is at an
all-time high, and the grumbling and complaints are at an all-time low.
We will never be perfect or without need to improve (wait until you get
into Heaven for that), but Temple Beth El feels better than ever.
Come to services and activities, get your children
involved, invite a friend or new member to join you, and let's enjoy
2005 at Temple together. Happy New Year!
Fred Dumas, President |
President's Message