President’s Message
TO MY BETH AM COMMUNITY,
The Annual Meeting is over and I take over as the new President of Temple Beth Am. This is not the only change – In recent years, we have witnessed a whirlwind of transformations in our Beth Am community and in our world —the fabric of our society is constantly evolving, and we are often called to adapt and rethink our approaches.
Each new year here brings with it an opportunity for renewal, reflection, and growth. As we welcome new faces onto our leadership team and deepen our connections with one another, let us acknowledge the strength that lies in our shared values. Our board structure is changing and we completed a revamp of our bylaws after 18 years thanks to the efforts of our incredible committee including – Jeff Agron, Judge Scott Bernstein, Todd Friedman, Gary Stein and the input and critical thinking of our board of directors.
We crafted and passed an Ethics Code thanks to the help of Marcia Reisman, Bonnie Webman, Rabbi Judith Kempler and Michelle Kramer – you can find a summary of it in the Commentator or on line and around our campus – if you would like to see the full version please reach out to me for a copy. We have reached out in the community to break down bias in a meaningful way thanks to the efforts of Edith Osman, Joann Koren, Joe Jacoby, Susan Lampen and Pamela Lear and we are in the process of bringing our Accounting System up to a new level thanks to the efforts of our Treasurer, Jason Haim.
These past few years we have embarked on several initiatives designed to invigorate our community. From new learning opportunities at Beth Am University (a special shout out to Judy Cowan for her efforts), Soulful Shabbat services and enriching programs in our HUB. Through all of these we have endeavored to provide the chance to connect deeply, learn, and grow together. Each initiative represents not just a new program, but a commitment to exploring the richness of our faith in the context of today’s world.
As we explore these new paths, let us remain open to the ideas and contributions from all of you. Your voice is invaluable; every thought, suggestion, and prayer adds to the vibrant tapestry of our community. Together, we can forge a future that honors our past while embracing new possibilities. In this ever-changing world, our temple stands as a beacon of stability and hope. Here, we find the wisdom of our ancestors, the strength of our traditions, and the warmth of our shared experiences.It is in our sanctuary that we come together to be reminded of what is truly important: love, community, service, and faith. As we face the uncertainties that life may present, let us remember that our temple is a sanctuary of understanding and compassion. It is a place where we can not only worship but also seek solace and healing. In times of difficulty, let us lift one another up, providing support and encouragement to navigate our challenges together. As we move forward, I encourage you all to embrace these new beginnings with an open heart anda positive spirit. Let us lean on one another and draw strength from our shared faith.
Together, we have the capability to cultivate an atmosphere of stability and resilience that will guide us through any storm and amidst these changes, our temple remains a haven of peace, a place where tradition meets innovation and where new beginnings can flourish.I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to each of you. Your commitment to our community shapes not only our temple but also the world we share. Let us continue to walk this path together, as we build a brighter, more compassionate future.
B’Shalom
Shelley Jacoby
TBAM President 25-27