A Changing of the Guard

Dear Fellow Congregants,

I am so thankful and proud to serve as our congregation's next president.  Many of you have already approached me offering your support for which I am grateful.  I am looking forward to working closely with our board to continue all of the excellent progress we have been making - raising the bar each year!

For those of you who were unable to attend the annual meeting, we have a strong combination of existing, past, and new members on our board.  And thanks to Sammi and Roseanna, we now have a detailed organizational structure in place. Howard Tinberg will continue his role as VP of Jewish Life.  Within Jewish Life, Molly Jacobs has come on board as the new Director of Education. Kim Bodemer will continue in her role as chair of the Ritual committee and Lauren Scher will continue to chair the Education committee.  We are looking for folks to help with the school committee, so please let us know if you can help.

We are welcoming Aaron Weintraub to the board as our new Treasurer and VP of Finance.  Also, we welcome Alan Wartenberg as our new Director of Development and Marketing. Within finance, we have our Fundraising and Development committee, Marketing and Finance committees.  We already have some strong people in these committees, but we are looking for more to join. Please let us know if you can help in these important areas.

Though Rosanna Wertheimer is stepping down as President, fortunately she will be staying with us as the VP of Strategic Planning and Administration. In this role, Rosanna will continue to be a driving force for change, as well as a fount of knowledge as a past president.  

Addam Brodsky will be continuing his role on the board as Director of Property Management.   Sharon Friedman will continue as chair of the Building and Maintenance committee. Other committees in this area include the cemetery and security.  Plus Addam runs one great Purim Carnival!

Another fresh change is that we are bringing both Hospitality & Support and the Membership committee under Deborah Stoloff.  Her new title is Director of Membership and Retention. In this role she will also be responsible for the Mensches, the Men's and Women's Groups and the Community Dinners.

This year Peter Schwartz will be stepping down as Secretary, and Eve Condon will be taking his place.  But we are not losing Peter; he will be staying on as a Director at Large. Also, we are welcoming Deb Mandell back to the board as an additional Director at Large.

As I look over the organizational chart that was handed out at the annual meeting, I think how fortunate we are to have a congregation where so many people are willing to devote their time.  The beauty of volunteering at Agudas Achim is you can do a little, or do a lot and still make a difference. Plus, there are a multitude of ways to lend a hand. A huge thank you to everyone who works so hard to keep our synagogue as successful as it is.  This includes our board, our committee heads and members, Keri and Erin, and those of you who just do things with little to no fanfare. And last, we wouldn't be who we are without Rabbi Leora, and the wisdom, leadership and inspiration she brings to our community.  

Our fiscal year ends June 30th, so if you haven't sent in your last dues payment, please get it in so we can wrap up our finances for the year.  And please send your renewal packets in as soon as possible. We need them by < >. If you have any questions, please contact the office.

Have a wonderful summer!