Presidents RH Remarks

Shanah Tovah.

It is truly an honor to stand before you this Rosh Hashanah, as we gather together to celebrate the beginning of a new year filled with possibility and renewal.

Each year, when we come together in this sacred space, we are reminded of our deep traditions as well as the living, breathing community that sustains us and makes our congregation more than just a building—it makes us a family.

I love the High Holy days – they are a time of reflection. It’s a chance to reflect on the year behind us: where we succeeded and where we may have fallen short. But it’s also a time and chance to look ahead and decide who we want to become as individuals and as a community in the coming year. What an opportunity!

And if there is one theme that I feel captures the spirit of our congregation, it is commitment. Commitment to Jewish life. Commitment to our synagogue. Commitment to one another.

This year, we have so much to celebrate. At the top of that list is the arrival of Rabbi Emily. Bringing new spiritual leadership into a congregation is always a milestone, but from the very first moment, Rabbi Emily has made her presence felt in a way that is both uplifting and inspiring.

She has shown us that leadership is not just about standing at the pulpit, but about walking with us —listening, guiding, and making herself truly accessible.

Whether it’s a heartfelt sermon, a thoughtful conversation in the lobby, or a wellness check on the phone, Rabbi Emily has already shown how deeply she cares about each and every member of this community.

One of the most exciting areas where we’ve seen her leadership is in the development of our religious school. She has embraced the opportunity to strengthen Jewish learning for our children, infusing it with creativity and meaning. Our youth are not just learning Hebrew and prayers—they are learning how to feel proud of their identity, and how to carry our traditions forward in ways that speak to them. That is a gift that will sustain not only their lives, but the life of this congregation.

And of course, none of this work happens alone. I want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to Cantor Sharlein. Her unwavering support, her beautiful voice, and her dedication to our congregation continue to uplift us.

Together, Rabbi Emily and Cantor Sharlein are already forming a partnership that strengthens our worship, enriches our programming, and brings joy and meaning to our community. We are blessed to have their shared leadership guiding us into the future.

Their partnership reminds us that our synagogue is not static—it is always evolving. Just as Judaism itself has adapted and thrived across centuries and across continents, so too must we. As a Reform congregation, we are committed to meeting Judaism where it stands today: embracing inclusivity, welcoming diversity, and ensuring that our practices, programs, and prayers speak to the lives we are living right now.

Evolving does not mean letting go of tradition—it means breathing new life into it. It means taking our cherished rituals and asking, “How do they speak to us today?” It means making sure that the next generation finds meaning in this space, just as we have. And it means being brave enough to make changes when needed, because change is how we stay relevant.

And here is where community volunteerism and commitment tie in so beautifully. Because none of this—welcoming Rabbi Emily, building for the future, evolving as a Reform congregation—happens by itself. It happens because of you. It happens because so many of you step forward and give of yourselves.

When I look at the past year, I see countless examples of this spirit in action. I see the members who stepped up to help organize our holiday services, making sure that our sanctuary was warm and welcoming. I see the parents and grandparents who dedicate hours to our Hebrew school, supporting teachers and mentoring children so they can grow not only in knowledge but also in Jewish pride. I see those who delivered meals, called the homebound, and cared for those in need when it mattered most.

Volunteerism is not only about filling a role—it is about embodying a value. Judaism has always been about community responsibility. The Torah teaches us that we are each arevim zeh bazeh—responsible for one another. And in today’s world, that responsibility matters more than ever.

I also want to acknowledge that commitment is not always easy. Life is busy. Time is precious. We all juggle responsibilities of family, work, and personal life. Yet so many of you still choose to give of yourselves. That choice—whether it is an hour a week, a single project, participating on the Board of Trustees or donating additional monetary support—makes a profound difference. It is because of that choice that our temple is not just surviving but thriving. And has done so for more than 110 years and counting.

This new year, with Rabbi Emily’s guidance, with Cantor Sharlein’s dedication, and with our community’s spirit, I want to challenge all of us to deepen our commitment. If you’ve already found a way to volunteer, consider inviting others to join you. If you haven’t yet had the chance, I encourage you to take that first step—whether it’s helping with a program, lending a skill, or finding and filling out one of our annual pledge cards on your way out to support the congregation. Every contribution strengthens our community. And don’t assume someone else is doing the work.

To this last point I want to share a story – as you can imagine the Rabbi and I have devoted a great deal of time getting to know one another over the last few months. In one of the thousand meetings we’ve had, she told me the story of four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.

There was an important job to be done, and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job.

Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.

The story may be confusing, but the message is clear: no one took ownership – so nothing got accomplished.

It’s a story that is continually playing out across the planet in organizations like ours.

Don’t let Anybody (or Everybody, Somebody or Nobody) stop you from doing what you need to do to create the life you can be proud of.

As we enter 5786, let us see ourselves not only as members of a congregation but as builders of a community. Let us make this year one where our commitment to one another grows even stronger, where our partnership with Rabbi Emily flourishes, and where our embrace of Reform Judaism continues to move us forward with strength and with purpose.

I want to close with gratitude. To every person who has stepped forward, given of themselves, and helped to carry our synagogue into the new year—I thank you. To Rabbi Emily, for your energy and openness; to Cantor Sharlein, for your reliability and your song; and to this congregation, for your commitment.

May this year be filled with blessing, with joy, with health, and with the strength that comes from knowing we are part of something greater than ourselves.

Shanah Tovah – may it be a sweet and good year for all of us.