President's Message -

The Year in Review

As I am sure is the case for my predecessors, I look back over my first year as President of the Board of Directors, and I can honestly say…its not exactly what I anticipated. It has been both an exciting and a difficult year…a year of building on our past to forge a bright future, and a year of meeting the significant challenges of today. For those who attended the Annual Meeting on June 6, I apologize, if much of this article is repetitive.

We started the year looking at our processes and how to operate more efficiently and effectively. Each of the Vice Presidents worked with their teams and committees to establish their “Top 5” goals for their respective Departments. Measurable, achievable goals…and each VP was accountable for reporting on progress toward meeting these goals at board meetings. Later in the year, we reviewed the Organization Chart for the board and realigned many of the committees to ensure all committees received proper guidance and support from the board.

As a congregation, we sent seven members to participate in the Leadership Development program sponsored by the Federation. Leadership development will continue to be a priority in the coming year. We again have nominated congregants to the Federation Leadership Development program. We will focus the Board on volunteers and committees…how to provide the support needed to ensure they are effective, and how to leverage them to develop the leaders of our community for the future.

Of course it has been an exciting and busy year with Ki Va Mo’ed-our capital campaign and the renaissance of our facilities. To date we have pledges of approximately $2.9 million and the campaign is still going strong. If you have not yet been contacted by a member of the campaign committee do not feel left out, you will be. Our goal is 100% participation. We would like each member of the congregation to participate in a way that is meaningful to them, whatever the amount. On June 8 the architects came to our town hall and shared with us some floor plans and preliminary designs. They presented their ideas and listened to comments from those who attended. It was exciting to see the vision of what could be and know that we are on the well way to making it happen.
It comes as no surprise that in this challenging economy, it has been a difficult year for the Temple financially. As of the end of May, we are forecasting a $37K deficit through the remainder of the fiscal year. Revenue is down significantly, primarily from dues and dues relief. We have done our best to manage through these difficult times exceed budget in reducing expenses. At times we have taken steps that were not well received, for example going to electronic distribution of the bulletin instead of hard copy. But we remain committed to listening to the voice of the congregation and responding to their needs, as we demonstrated by conducting the bulletin survey and reinstating the printing and mailing of hard copy. While revenue remains a concern in the coming year, we once again passed a zero deficit budget for the coming year, and will continue to manage our finances carefully.

But perhaps one of the most significant changes during my term in office is yet to come. Let me take this opportunity to thank Steve Bascove for his five plus years of dedicated service. I have worked closely with Steve for several years, first as Treasurer and now as President. As lay leaders and volunteers, we serve relatively short terms in our respective office, and I readily admit that I frequently don’t know what I am doing. Steve has guided me, reminded me, and at times even prodded me to do the things that I need to do, but most importantly, he has been there whenever I needed help. I would like to personally thank Steve for all the help and support he has given me over the past several years. More importantly, Steve has served our community with dedication for these last five years. He has served four temple presidents, countless officers, Board members, committees and congregants. He has brought his significant skills and experience to the operation of Temple Israel, and has contributed immeasurably to our continued success, especially during recent financial times. Please join me in thanking Steve, and wishing him and Tracey all the best as they move into the next phase of their lives.

This year has been exciting and challenging, but never dull. And next year promises even more of the same. Throughout the year the most important thing to me, what kept me motivated, was knowing that you care. I appreciate the e-mails and phone calls, the suggestions and the criticisms, the concerns and even the complaints. We as a Board are here to serve the congregation, and your ideas, participation and energy make our jobs easier and worthwhile. I look forward to another year of serving Temple Israel..