Reflections from the President

Several weeks ago I was privileged to participate in a program for synagogue presidents sponsored by United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism (USCJ). While three days on Zoom initially sounded overwhelming, surprisingly, the days passed quickly. I had the opportunity to hear from our USCJ leadership and interact with peers from around the country. Listening to the various conversations reinforced that we can be proud of the strength, energy, and friendships we have within our Beth El community.

When I was installed a year ago, who would have imagined what transpired on October 7th. In many respects, that day and the ongoing conflict brought us closer. While typically the “membership season” plateaus once the High Holidays are over, throughout these past months we have continued to add members. Many are young families looking for a place to connect to their Jewish identity. The engagement of these young families was very much evident at Purim with little Queen Esthers and a host of other characters filling the building.

Can you hear the buzz of the upcoming Beth El activities? Dr. Eliyahu Krigel and a group of students will travel to New York City for a day of learning and fun. The ever-popular Dirshuni study class, led by Rabbi Rachel Zerin and sponsored by Women’s Network, continues in May. The Men’s Club provided yellow candles to mark Yom HaShoah, a day to remember those lost in the Holocaust. Funds donated from this effort support Beth El’s Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund. Of course, springtime isn’t complete without some cheesecake to celebrate the upcoming Shavuot holiday. Look for details of these and other events in our new monthly Temple Happenings as well as email updates.

Throughout his 33 years at Beth El, Hazzan Ness has touched each and every one of us with prayer, music, and teachings. His reach goes well beyond Beth El as evidenced from the outpouring of the entire community to be part of the special events planned to honor him. By now, you have received an invitation to the Sunday, June 9 celebration and special concert. In addition, we will have a chance to welcome Shabbat and show appreciation for Hazzan Ness on Friday evening, June 7. I know these will be memorable events and hope many of you will join us.

As we move into summer and look forward to more sunshine, longer days, time off from school and jobs, and perhaps travels, please remember that Beth El’s doors are open for you and your families. Stay tuned for more updates. Please attend our Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 20.

Wishing all Chag Sameach and a happy and fun-filled summer.

~Leah Katz

Security Update

In recent years, we at Beth El, along with religious institutions throughout the world, have needed to place extra emphasis on security. This need has increased in particular in light of the events of October 7th and the rise in hateful activity. Many of you participated in the training sessions held a few years ago, and we have implemented various tactics and procedures. We formed a Security Committee that has been working since the beginning of the year.

The primary focus is the physical aspects of the building, both interior and exterior, assessing where we are vulnerable and ways to mitigate it. These are not insignificant projects, and while we continue to seek funding through government grants, we know that we will need our own financial resources. The Board of Trustees has approved funding an initial exterior project, and we anticipate work to commence this summer in advance of the High Holidays.

You will be hearing more in the upcoming months, along with a schedule for refresher training sessions. As always, ensuring the safety and security of our clergy, staff and congregants is of utmost importance.

~Leah Katz, President

NOTE: there is a specified fund to help with these costs: Joe Springut Memorial Security Fund