Facing New and Continuing Realities While Staying Relevant as Our World Changes

Twelve months ago, many of us were eagerly looking forward to the September 29 launch of our Solel@50 jubilee celebrations. One week later, our world changed. The past year has been incredibly challenging and stressful for all of us. Each one of us tried to come to grips with what was and still is an alarming situation. We also share concerns about the safety and security of our families, communities and synagogues.

Our year of Solel@50 jubilee celebrations, culminating with the joyous induction of our new Living Torah were timely in that they helped us appreciate the importance and meaning of our history and community.

For Solel, it remains important that we continue to care about and plan for the continued well-being of our local Jewish community. The value of this is demonstrated frequently as we welcome our members and guests from the larger community who are currently unaffiliated. Attendance at services, Simchas, Torah Studies, our Bet Sefer Solel school and numerous other events, whether in person or via livestream and Zoom, reaffirms the need for vibrant Jewish communities. It is within this context that our board recently identified and is now focusing on the following six strategic priorities, and I will be writing more about each of these in future blogs:

1. Capital projects and fundraising
2. Inclusivity as a lens for leadership
3. Increasing awareness of Solel in our community
4. Leadership development and succession
5. Building our membership
6. Political outreach

As a largely volunteer-led community, our members have traditionally taken responsibility for much of what happens at Solel. Some operate as formal committees. Others comprise informal groups or even solo individuals who take on, manage, and deliver on key responsibilities that make Solel who we are. Our constitution refers to these as Board Portfolios and currently, we have identified sixteen such Board Portfolios. Under the constitution, each voting member of the Board is required to establish and maintain contact with those who do the work within their portfolios and keep the board apprised of what is happening, and the kind of support that the volunteer leaders need; I thought it would be helpful to share the listing of Board Portfolios with the names of the designated board representatives who are serving as our liaison contacts:

1. Bingo (Joel Brown)
2. Cemetery* (Diego Torres)
3. Communications (Noah Farber)
4. Finance* (Joel Brown)
5. Fundraising: Living Torah/Sacred Space (John Lewsen)
6. Facilities & Operations* (Dave Gordon)
7. Membership & Outreach* (Andrea Galambos)
8. Mitzvah & Tikkun Olam (Miriam Schoeman)
9. Administration (John Lewsen)
10. Religious Education* (Zach Harper)
11. Religious Ritual & Practice* (Emma Weizenbluth)
12. Safety & Security (Roz Allen)
13. Technology (Joel Brown)
14. Women of Solel** (Ruth Ostrower)
15. Youth* (Mike Van Thyn)
* Mandated Portfolio
** Active Auxiliary

I believe it is imperative that during times of turmoil, we remain anchored, focused and grounded. My thanks go to each of you who continue to bring your skills and enthusiasm as Solel volunteers. May we all continue to enjoy supporting and growing our vibrant and important Solel Jewish community.

Wishing you all a good year to come. Shanah Tovah Umtukah

John

Filed under: President's Message

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