PRESIDENT'S CORNER
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Dear Friends,
With the continued population growth in Frederick County, there appears to be a significant increase in the number of new Jewish families moving into the area. The Synagogue frequently receives calls from these prospective members seeking information. One of the first questions asked is with which branch of Judaism are we affiliated. The answer is that we choose to remain unaffiliated. We do this because we do not want to exclude anybody. Beth Sholom tries to meet everyone’s needs by blending tenets of Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism. We are not Orthodox, because we have mixed seating. We are not Conservative or Reform because women are not called up to the Torah for Aliyahs. What we are is a dynamic mix of Jewish perspectives blended together. It is beautifully rare. I truly believe that Beth Sholom is a role model for other synagogues. We are non-judgmental, and accepting of all. We have been enormously successful because nearly everyone can find his or her way spiritually within our framework. It does, however, take a deep understanding of others’ needs and a compromising attitude on everyone’s part, to continue to make Beth Sholom thrive. If there is something that you feel that you need that Beth Sholom is not providing, please make your thoughts known. The Board of Trustees and I remain open and receptive to each of you.
The Board of Trustees has decided that we will move forward in hiring an Assistant Rabbi. For the last three years we have tried, without success, to hire one that meets our requirements. We thought that due to our unaffiliated status, few Rabbis would consider working for us. Eighteen months ago we did invite one candidate to our Congregation for an interview, but he did not work out. He was not accepting enough of our diversity. Since then the ongoing search has been very frustrating. Several weeks ago we posted an ad in a different forum in the hopes that we would get some responses. We have been thrilled with 21 resumes to date! Quite a few appear to be excellent candidates. It turns out that our unaffiliated status is quite desirable to the right person. Who would have known? Moving forward we will be narrowing the list by first conducting telephone interviews and then inviting the finalists to each spend some time with us in Frederick. When we make these dates known, please come to Shul those weekends and meet them. We want your input in helping evaluate these candidates. We will then select one and have the Congregation vote to hire this person at a special meeting this summer.
The Cultural Enrichment Committee organized an adult Shabbaton at the Community Center the weekend of Feb 21-22, 2003. My family was fortunate to be present for the Friday night dinner and service. Seeing all of the friendly faces across the social hall reminded Micki and me of the many good relationships that we have developed in our 10 years in Frederick. The warmth emanating throughout was very apparent. At the risk of repeating some of my thoughts in previous President’s Corners, it is truly a pleasure to be associated with such a nice group.
Following are the Highlights of the March 11, 2003 Board of Trustees Meeting.
Treasurer’s Report – The Synagogue continues to move through the fiscal year in a steady manner. Bingo receipts are up. Income from dues is slightly lagging.
Long-Range Planning – Marty Potash gave a complete update on the search for the assistant Rabbi. New resumes continue to come in. Telephone interviews will start the 3rd week of March. Carl Lazerow reported on the progress for the planned expansion of the Community Center. Nearly all of the work groups have completed their questionnaires. The information will be forwarded to the architect.
Library/Archives – Andy Carpel discussed the ongoing progress in the Library. There are only a few boxes of books left to catalog. A computer desk, donated by Montgomery College, was installed. After completing the work at the Community Center, the Library committee will start working on the books and other materials in the basement of the Synagogue.
Cultural Enrichment – The Cultural Enrichment committee organized the Shabbaton at the Commnity Center Feb 21-22, 2003. A special thank you is due to Norma Kelsey and Gayle Bromberg for all of their hard work ensuring that the weekend was an outstanding success.
Youth Committee – March 1st was movie night at the Community Center. The turnout was excellent with over 35 in attendance. The next event, a bowling party at Walkersville Lanes, is scheduled for April 13. Flyers explaining the event were sent home with children in the Hebrew School. Please call the office if you need more information.
Personnel Policies – Sally Wolf and Cindi Diamondstone reported on the continuing progress of the Personnel Handbook. They are compiling information and expect to complete their work in the next few months.
Board of Education – Mindy Barr reported on the changes expected for next year. The Nursery school continues to do well. Next year’s classes have already been filled. Assuming a minimum of five children, an afternoon 3-year-old class will be added. A new 4/5 class has also been added for those children who are not yet old enough to attend Kindergarten.
Bingo - The Bingo captains met and agreed to raise Bingo prizes. Since the new increased payouts have been implemented, there has been a significant increase in the number of players. We need more workers. Understand that without Bingo our dues would be doubled. If you have the time please give the Synagogue a few hours each month.
Old Business – With minor grammatical changes, The Board of Trustees approved the changes made to our investment policy.
New Business – The Board reviewed potential bylaws changes to be introduced at the annual May Congregational meeting.
Volunteer of the Month – Dara Markowitz – Dara can be seen at the Community Center almost every day of the week. She is a member of the Board of Education and organizes and runs the yearly Used Book Sale. She has been instrumental in setting up the Sunday Morning Coffee Houses that benefit the Nursery and Religious Schools. She is also an active member of the Awards Gala committee and the Cultural Enrichment committee.
Next Meeting – Wednesday April 2nd at 7:30pm at the Community Center. Annual Congregational meeting is scheduled for May 14th 2003 at 8:00pm at the Community Center.
On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to wish all of you a wonderful Pesach.