I’ve Got a New Job Starting Sept 1: Immediate Past President
WOW! The last two years really went by fast —
although it didn’t always feel that way at board meetings. On the other hand, I think I set the record as the president with the shortest board meetings, rarely going over the planned ninety minutes. And while I had to cut conversations short occasionally, no one ever threw anything at me. I probably also had the best-fed board in the last decade or two with coffee, tea, pastry, and fruit as the standard fare.
I don’t know if activity is a good measure of success, but I think we, as a congregation, have been a lot more active in recent years. The Men of CSS and the Women of CSS have events every month or more frequently. The wonderful thing is that over those many events, relationships have developed. We’ve gotten to know each other better, almost like a family. I feel more comfortable and spiritually moved when I’m praying next to someone I’ve shared a glass of wine with.
My favorite task as president, hands down, was attending the Religious School Sunday morning service. Sitting with the children and their parents each Sunday inspired me to keep working for the congregation. Their energy and enthusiasm were contagious, to say the least. Over the weeks and months, I came to know the children and their parents better. And, they got to know me. I felt that was one of my most important things I could do as president.
I’ve still got that list of goals I wrote up two years ago. Many of them have become reality. The board convinced me that some were not good ideas, and I agreed. The few times the board voted my ideas down, it was my fault for not doing the hard work of building an idea support coalition. I feel blessed to have served with our Board of Directors; they are some of the most knowledgeable, dedicated, and caring individuals that the Southern Maryland Jewish community is fortunate to have.
I look forward with great excitement, to the next two years with Robyn Kanter as our president. Robyn has a great passion for her Judaism and for our congregation. I stand ready to serve her in her quest to move this congregation forward in new and exciting ways. I’ll still be leading Torah Study each Saturday morning, attending the Men of CSS dinners, attending most Shabbat services, and yes, attending board meetings for the next two years.
It’s been an honor and a privilege to have served as your president these last two years.