President’s Column March-April 2025
It is hard for me to believe but this is my last President’s Message. Beginning right after the annual meeting in April, David Loewenberg will take ownership of this space and I will move on to the status of PP, Past President.
It has truly been an honor to serve as the President of Beth El. You have given me the opportunity not once, but twice. During my last three years I believe we have accomplished a great deal. We began a relationship with Temple Beth El in Stamford to join and operate our religious school. We signed Rabbi Paskind to a five-year contract. We began some upgrading of our facilities both from a beautification standpoint but also an improvement in our security. Our solid new doors on the East Avenue entrance not only make us more secure but let in enough light to give our entrance way a new look, and we have installed a new sound system. We are (as of this writing) remodeling the ladies’ room and are remodeling the chapel area. Finally, from a financial standpoint we have balanced the budget each year, sometimes with a few dollars left over.
There will be challenges ahead. Our congregation is three years older than when I started my current term; as is our building. We hold steady at about 167 members, which has been true for some time. I am disappointed that we couldn’t build on those numbers, however, these are the challenges that all Conservative synagogues face today.
A synagogue president is one of those positions that get the kudos when things go right and the complaints when things go less than right. I am happy to say I have been on the “right” side of things more often than not. Of course, none of this could have been accomplished were it not for a great group of people I get to work with.
Let me start with our small, but really dedicated staff. Rabbi Paskind has been a true partner these past three years. Jody Dietch has taken my calls at all hours when I have needed help with one “crisis” or another. Hope Levensohn is an unsung hero, doing whatever is necessary to keep the office running smoothly and Amy SantaLucia puts our nursery school in a class of its own!
Next, my leadership team. I am so blessed to work with Michelle Fanwick, Barrett Lester, Danielle Ben-David, and David Loewenberg, our VPs, as well as Stephanie Gordon, Jonathan Cohen, and Marguerite Felsenfeld. And I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Hilary Shaefitz for acting as “counsel” to me these past three years. Her insights have been important. A final thank you goes to Barry Shereck who served one year with me as Treasurer and to Sharon DeFala who served in our Executive Committee again during my term.
Finally, to our Board of Trustees. Thank you to these volunteers for overseeing our synagogue and not only providing insight, but representing our congregants in so many ways.
I already promised David that I would stay on to co-chair the Vision Committee and folks can expect to get pestered from me about chanting haftarot on Shabbat and holidays. And Paul Ginsberg isn’t getting rid of me on the Cemetery Committee either! I couldn’t have done this without Betsy’s support, dealing with me attending various meetings and “Must Be Seen” events. Lastly, thank you to each and every one of you for putting your trust in my leadership. I couldn’t have done it without your enthusiastic support.
B’Shalom,
Keith
