News

It is hard to believe that two years of my Presidency have passed so quickly. When I was asked to take on this role, my thoughts were first ‘can I do this job?’ and secondly, like my medical oath: ‘Do no harm!’ My decision was made easier when I considered that we have four great senior staff, financially we are stable, and the next president would have a once in century opportunity to be President during our 100-Year Anniversary!

As I review the last two years, it is amazing at what WE have accomplished together. The 100 – year anniversary featured a number of dedicated programs including a very successful gala, special programs throughout the anniversary year, and the publication of the history of Temple Israel in Centennial by the Sea. The Next 100 Years Campaign exceeded our original expectations, both in cash and legacy commitments giving the next 100 years a great start.
In the last two years, our membership has increased by 55 families, and our teen program continues to be the envy of the nation. Our Torah Center continues to thrive, unlike many in congregations around the country that are struggling. The Joys of Jewish Learning featured a wide variety of great programs, including nationally recognized speakers. On the spiritual side, we now have monthly Torah Study in El Dorado Park followed by a meditation walk at the Nature Center, and for services on the second Friday, we enjoy Kol HaNeshama with music in the round.

Some changes are less obvious but no less important. There are significant upgrades to the security for the Temple including rapid doors locks, higher fencing around the perimeter, motion sensing lights in the front of the building and improved campus wide PA system. Our Audio-Visual system has been brought into the 21st century thanks to a generous grant from one of our member families. For those of you who work in the kitchen, you will notice a significant improvement in the temperature thanks to a ventilation system that pushes the heat outside. The Temple’s website now features a more user-friendly calendar to help you plan which of the Temple offerings you wish to attend.

Not everything has been milk and honey. My ‘honeymoon’ ended on October 7, 2023, with echoes of that day reverberating ever since. To remind us of the hostages that are still in captivity, we continue to light a blue candle in addition to the normal Friday night candles. Every Sunday since the beginning of the crisis, Mark Dressner has been leading Run for Their Lives and will continue to do so until all the hostages are home. Other ongoing projects include implementation of the Strategic Plan and asking all of our members to sign up for ShulCloud. The ShulCloud program will help both our members and the office with data, billing, membership, enhanced communication, and includes a member’s only section for a membership directory, tracking yahrzeit and much more. If you have not signed up yet, please call the office to guide you through the process.

It has been a distinct honor and privilege to serve as your Temple President for the last two years. I would like to thank everyone who helped me ‘do’ the job as President, starting with the Senior Staff and extending to the Board, the Office, the Custodial staffs, and finally to you, the members of our congregation.

I leave this office knowing that the state of our Temple is “excellent.” I also know that we are in good hands going forward as I ‘pass the gavel’ to Ron Artstein. Please give him a little time to get comfortable in the job and say yes when he asks for your help!
Shalom