Why This is not the Beginning of the End, but Instead is the End of the Beginning
Shalom everyone,
It is nice to speak with all of you one final time as your President.
Before I sat down to write this – or in the interests of full disclosure -- before my husband Robert sat down to write this in my voice – I revisited and re-read the very first monthly email I shared with all of you, then read each of the 20 messages that followed. It proved to be time well spent, leaving me feeling a little nostalgic, but being honest, it was time leavened with an equal dose of relief.
Taken in their entirety, what I shared with all of you these past two years serves as a fairly accurate chronicle of the challenges and rewards we faced as a congregation.
A Year of Accomplishment
The timing of this message proved ideal, given a week ago Monday we held our annual member meeting, in which I recapped three major challenges – one financial, another aquatic, a third about staffing – where we were able to achieve success, thanks to the tireless dedication and determination of many of you.
We solved our revenue shortfall by raising over $200,000 through L’dor V’dor. We renegotiated our lease with the Makai Swim School, increasing what we charge and improving congregant access, while beginning to address some serious, ongoing maintenance issues that were too long neglected. We also addressed an essential personnel matter by asking our Education Director, Marah Peresechensky, to add the responsibilities of Synagogue Director to her remit.
Beyond solving these issues, there were notable milestones of such number it precludes me from recounting all of them here in detail, but for those who did not attend, a list follows. In 2023/24, we:
Added eight new member families to our congregation.
Named Art Grand as our first Rabbinic intern.
Rented our sanctuary to Iglesia Del Nombre De Jesucristo, a religious organization that doesn’t have a home to call its own, for three days every month.
Now have both an Ethics Manual and a much-needed Security and Procedures Manual.
Held a 70th Anniversary “Jew-bilee” celebration.
Responded positively and proactively to the negative, hateful, antisemitic signs that have and are appearing on Browns Valley Road.
Conducted Simchat Torah festivities at Hagafen Cellars.
Commemorated Chanukah with a week-long celebration.
Enjoyed a sold-out, second-night Seder in our sanctuary.
Firmly and decisively responded to disturbing signs posted on our congregation’s front door.
Listened to celebrated actor, author, and activist Peter Coyote talk about his Buddhist journey, as part of the Rabbi’s ongoing “Faces of Faith” conversations.
Replaced our annual Comedy Night fundraiser with a wonderfully fun and festive Spring Fling “schmooze-fest,” accompanied by an auction and raffle sale.
Will soon listen to tribute band Fleetwood Macrame at an upcoming fundraiser to be held at Blue Note Napa.
In terms of budgets, we ended 2023/24 in very solid shape, with members unanimously approving a conservative and realistic budget for 2024/25.
Just looking at this very long list of activities, events, and functions tires me out, but it serves as a fitting reminder of the vitality and vibrancy of a very strong and active congregation.
Speaking of unanimity, our members also approved the slate recommended by the nominating committee for our new Board of Trustees. Let me introduce your new Board to you:
President Eve Kahn
Treasurer Scott Brown (with partner Bonnie Fineman)
Secretary Lara Shumer
Trustee Mark Charney
Trustee Cynthis Cohen (with her wonderful puppy Audrey)
Trustee Holly Finklestein
Trustee Allison Frost
Trustee Phyllis Kleid
Trustee Suzy Krieger
Trustee Guy Levin
Trustee Naomi Petrick
The new board represents a mix of newcomer and veteran trustees with a range of capabilities, all sharing a commitment to serve their congregation to the best of their ability, reason enough to be confident as we enter a new (fiscal) year.
A closing thought
For those of you who might be wondering about the title of this message -- “What in heaven’s name is Roberta thinking?” -- I should explain I never have thought of my tenure as an ending, but rather as the beginning of continued growth and possibility for our congregation, one of my life’s the most meaningful pleasures.
I want to thank my far-too-many-to mention friends and supporters for their encouragement and help whenever I needed it most. I especially want to acknowledge past-President Ellyn Elson and Rabbi Niles for being persistent and persuasive in their never-give-up effort to get me to say “Yes” when I frankly was prepared to say “No.”
And to all of you: from the deepest reservoir of my soul, thank you for the privilege and honor of serving as your President.
Rest assured I am not going anywhere – as much as I can, I intend to remain as engaged with and committed to CBS, and look forward to greeting you with a hug the next time I see you.
