PRESIDENT'S CORNER
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Sid Kandel read portions of an e-mail from a relative in Tel Aviv. The message expressed the ongoing horror occurring daily in Israel and the fact that Israel was experiencing its longest economic recession. The Rabbi attended an Israeli (Zionist Organization of America) convention in Washington, DC and indicated that he will write about his experiences in upcoming Bulletins. Speakers included members of Congress and a representative from the State Department.
Treasurer’s Report: Garry Cohen briefly reviewed the budget. A surplus is projected at the end of our fiscal year (June ’02). The monies will be used in part to pay down principal on the Community Center mortgage, acoustical treatment of the walls in the Social Hall, bookcases in the classrooms, a kosher sound system.
Bingo continues to do well and is our biggest fundraiser. If you are not currently involved, please call Marcia or Janet Potash and sign-up for one of our Bingo teams.
House Committee: Carl Lazerow reported that the selection of a contractor has been made to installl use acoustic panels and wood trim to improve the sound quality of our social hall. The project is scheduled for completion in time for the High Holidays. Carl will also look into improvements in the design of our Torah holders in the Ark of the Chapel and Sanctuary as well as an improved free-standing holder at the Synagogue.
Long-Range Planning: I have signed the contract with our architect, Levin/Brown of Baltimore for the development of a plan, which will involve the phased expansion of the Community Center. The actual enlarging of the Center is several years away.
Marcia, Marty Potash, and I have drafted a job description for the position of Assistant Rabbi. The Academy of Jewish Religion in Riverdale, NY will review our requirements and see if they can recommend a suitable candidate.
The Board approved costs for the first phase of construction of our kosher sound system. This will feature ‘microphones’ (or natural sound reinforcement) and speakers on the Bima to avoid extensive renovations of the main Sanctuary. We should have a demo of the 2-speaker system in late July.
Board of Education (BOE): Nursery School graduation is set for June 14th. Mindy Barr is the new President, and Garry Cohen feels that they have lots of good ideas for the future. Next year there will be sufficient professional staff to teach our children, and the Day School (Kindergarten) is now a separate entity and will be applying for grants.
Adult Education/Cultural Arts: Norma Kelsey informed the Board that the Committee is working on next year’s calendar.
Religious Affairs: Thursday minyanim will continue until June 20th. They will then resume on August 8th.
Sisterhood: Sylvia Elfman wishes to inform the Congregation that the gift shop will re-open on September 1st. The Bingo Kitchen needs more volunteers on Monday nights.
Youth Committee: Stacee Springer reported on the highly successful ‘Recognition Dinner’ for our youth group on May 15th. The Mayor of Frederick spoke at this wonderful banquet. If you would like to serve as an adult volunteer, please contact Stacee since she would like to have help in running these worthwhile projects.
Miscellaneous: Sid Kandel will chair an effort that promotes the purchase of Israeli Bonds. The organization backing this effort will send speakers to sponsor events held at the Community Center. Sid is designing two smaller Trees of Life to accommodate the current demand. Articles will appear in the Bulletin.
Concluding Remarks: This is my last President’s Corner. I have had the wonderful honor of serving as your President for the past four years. My Boards have been extremely supportive and have maintained the interests of Beth Sholom ahead of their own preferences. It has been a pleasure to work with them. The Executive Committee of the Board (Marty Potash, Vice-president; Garry Cohen, Treasurer; and Stephanie Egly, and now Celia Zahler, Secretaries) has been extremely helpful to me during my tenure, and I thank them for their guidance and hard work. I am grateful to both Marcia Newfeld, our Executive Director and Janet Potash, our Secretary, whose constant support and tireless dedication to Beth Sholom have made my presidency as smooth as possible. We were all fortunate to celebrate Rabbi and Carol Kosman's 40th year with us during my presidency. It was a privilege for me to serve at President with Rabbi Kosman as our spiritual leader. I am extremely pleased that Garry Cohen will be our next President. Garry's experience on the Board and as out Treasurer will be invaluable in guiding the Congregation to do the right thing spiritually and fiscally. Finally, I thank all of you for your continuing support of Beth Sholom during my tenure and in the future. As the Rabbi would say, "May we share Simchas."