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From the Board - Archive 2007
December 2007
Mara Rabin
Treasurer
Volunteering....
The definition of Volunteer is "one who enters into any service of his own free will or willingly." As the sign up sheet for the Menorah article went around the table, I signed my name for the December issue. Was this an act of volunteering? My answer would be yes. After all, this page would be blank if no one offered to write an article.
In September of 2004, my friend, Beth Rettie informed me, with a smile, that she had recommended me to Rabbi to be a Shabbaton Coordinator for the fifth grade class. She had been a Coordinator for her son's class and now it was time for our daughters to begin attending the Shabbaton programs. The fourth and fifth grade classes were combined as a group for the purpose of fulfilling the Shabbaton requirements. I was fortunate to share this task with Judy Haight and Jamie Novo. They were great to work with. Together we had over nine events with the families over a two year period. We made some friendships along the way and had the good fortune of help from many of the other parents which aided in the success of our events and its purpose.
Our final event was a car wash and the true meaning of these shabbatons was epitomized by the misfortune of one of the parents who had to call a tow company for service. The day was cloudy and the number of cars was light. The tow truck came and he performed his service. Instead of leaving with his fee, he had his tow truck washed. We all watched as the kids performed their task with purpose and joy. I'm not sure how many kids were on the truck but it was a good majority. He left his donation for our building fund, which I believe was the fee he collected for the job he completed. Then, to our surprise and the children's pleasure he returned with a second truck. Our purpose of Tikkun Olam was fulfilled twofold, by this gentleman's generosity and by our children's performance of service for the community.
Last year, the Shabbaton program for the lower grades took a little hiatus, but it is back on the program list this year and we will certainly have many new Shabbaton events to share. I look forward to sharing them with you. As some of you are aware the B'nai Mitzvah class attends different Shabbaton events. Last year I had pleasure of participating in these events under Rabbi's guidance and supervision. Our families gathered together to share our heritage, traditions and beliefs. In addition, we worked with our children on projects which became an essential part of their becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. I was amazed at how different we all were, but we shared the common bond of our religious commitment and our temple family.
One quiet evening in May, 2005 I received a telephone call from Joe Greenfield. He informed me that my name had come up on Rabbi's recommendation, to fill the Treasurer's position on the Board of Directors. I will share with you that I laughed and thought he was joking with me. He assured me that it wasn't a joke. I listened as he explained the position and I accepted. This past year, I agreed to a second term and my decision was based on my past experience and my desire to continue to serve the Temple community. I had spent the last two years reviewing and analyzing the requisitions for the construction of our new home. I served on the budget and finance committee and last year I chaired the nominating committee. In addition, I have perfected my signature.
As you are aware, last year was a very exciting year for Temple Beth Elohim. We packed up our old home and moved in to our new home. We proudly participated in the Hakafot and carried the Torahs to our new home. For most of us, this tradition was a once in a lifetime experience. Collectively, our temple family volunteered for the tasks at hand and enjoyed the celebrations.
Just recently, we had a Gala in our new home in honor of Rabbi and Terri. It was a glorious evening and the culmination of an exceptional year of celebration in our new home and of our temple family. There was laughter, dancing and a Hora chair lift honoring Rabbi and Terri. A good time was had by all. At the end of the evening I said my goodbyes and gave Linda Springer, the Gala committee chairperson, a hug. I was surprised when she apologized to me because Rich and I were not part of the honorable mention for serving on the Gala committee. I smiled and gave her another hug. I was very proud just to be a part of the celebration and I told her that my participation was a labor of love.
Although we all appreciate gratitude and the acknowledgement of our services, the act of volunteering for me is truly a labor of love. Thank you all for allowing me the honor of serving this wonderful family, Temple Beth Elohim.
November 2007
David Eppinger
Second Vice-President
We'll Keep the Light on For You
There's an expression that you don't hear much anymore. We'll keep the light on for you. Lot's of different meanings in that old saying.
You could remember it in terms of the Motel Six commercial tag line. Tom Bodett, a famous humorist and spokesman used the expression as a calming and constant reminder that there would be someone there to greet you no matter when you came in from your long journey.
Mom used to say it when you were going out with friends, as an expression of her caring and love. Mom would always be up waiting to be sure that her children made it home safe. She might not have been in the kitchen pacing, but you knew she was lying awake in bed to hear the key turn the door lock signaling your safe return.
We even keep the expression alive within Temple Beth Elohim. Of course, we leave the light on all the time. No, not the outside parking lights or the lobby lights. We have a more important light to show us the way, our Ner Tamid light in the Sanctuary. The light symbolizing the miracle of an oil lamp from long ago, with only a few precious drops of oil that should only have lasted one night.
Our light signals us to come to worship. It helps create an atmosphere when you enter the Sanctuary. This is a holy place. A place where God is welcome, and miracles happen and can be retold. We pass on our heritage in this holy place to our children, and share with our friends and family. The tall Jerusalem stone; the light playing through the windows; the feeling of great space, and the feeling of intimacy and privacy. This is our space.
When you come into our Temple building, do you feel it is your building? Is this your wall? Are these your friends, family and neighbors? Are you connected to this place we call TBE? Or, are you feeling a little on the sidelines? You don't know many people. You are not that outgoing.
Our Temple has many groups and committees, and social events for every taste. Like a good book? We have members who would love to have a book club. Into fine cooking? There are members who are pretty darn good cooks. Like a spirited discussion? We have a ‘Great Debate' group who gather and discuss all things Great and Small, and manage to get off topic quite nicely. Like to just get together and chat socially on a Sunday morning while the kids are in Religious School? We can handle that in the lobby every week.
The best way to get connected to Temple Beth Elohim is to get involved. Pick an event. Come to a club. Grab a cup of coffee, and help to stuff some envelopes for Nan. There are lots of ways to make our Temple your home. Just give it a try..... We'll leave the light on for you.
September 2007
Ava Saperstein
1st Vice President
"It is not your responsibility to finish the work but you are not free to desist from it either" Pirkei Avot (2:16).
It hard to believe that almost a year has past since we moved to Mt. Ebo Road North. We have many events to look back on with joy, particularly our Hakafot to the new building. It was amazing to walk our Torahs on Rt. 22 to their new home. We have celebrated the dedication of our building and Rabbi Acrish's 40 years with us. This is not the culmination of a dream it is just the beginning. As we anticipate our first High Holiday services in our new home there is still much work to do.
The leadership of the temple has not been on vacation this summer. Committees are working hard to complete several projects including new lights for the social hall, a sound system for the sanctuary and social hall, new memorial plaques, signage, landscaping and window treatments. There is still more to be done. In this next year we hope to continue to grown in to our new space. Please help. We can't do it alone.
This past year has been a difficult one for me with much personal loss. Without the support of my temple family it would have been even more so. I am very lucky to have found this nurturing community. My wish for you for the New Year is that you to can find community and comfort at Temple Beth Elohim.
L'shana tova from my family to yours,
Ava Saperstein
June 2007
Judi McAnaw
Director-at-Large
Last month, Geoff Kupferschmid wrote his first article for The Menorah. I noted this as I was contemplating what to write about for this article - my last contribution as a Board member, since my term as Director at Large comes to an end on June 30.
It's hard to believe that two years have gone by since I was elected to serve on the Board. Much has happened with our Temple family - our Congregation continues to grow, Rabbi Acrish celebrated his 40th anniversary as our beloved rabbi and spiritual leader, and of course, most significantly we moved to our new Temple home.
Similarly, on a personal note, my own family has experienced much in the past two years, as well. My younger daughter, Emma, became a Bat Mitzvah this past fall; my older daughter, Sarah celebrated her Confirmation last year, and she just recently received her learner's permit to drive (a car!). My husband Michael's business and his commitment to a number of local community initiatives keep him plenty busy, and I took on a new job last summer that brings a whole new set of demands and rewards.
As I contemplated several topics to write about for my article, many ideas came to mind, but one was more compelling than the rest. Although I am writing this article for the June Menorah, we are just beginning the month of May, which, of course, most importantly, means one thing: MOTHER'S DAY!
Motherhood and my term as a Board member are similar in that both can be defined as rewarding, thrilling, exhausting, frustrating and extremely fulfilling - frequently all at the same time. And, Mother's Day and my role on the Board both strike me as odd. I mean, why should there be just one day a year that marks time to honor mothers? Shouldn't that happen every day??! Likewise, why should a person have to be elected to the Board of Directors to volunteer time and to assume responsibility for making smart and responsible choices for the entire Congregation?
One of my very first Mother's Day gifts was a little book called "Motherhood: A Gift of Love". It contains quotes of famous women and their reflections on motherhood. There are two quotes that rang true as I prepared to write this article.
The first is by Jane Sellman, a 20th Century American writer; "The phrase 'Working Mother' is redundant". There is not a mother alive who would not attest to that. There is no job more difficult, stressful and unrelenting as the position of mother, and therefore none as rewarding and fulfilling."
The second is by another American writer, Deborah Insel. "Being a mother, as far as I can tell, is a constantly evolving process of adapting to the needs of your child while also changing and growing as a person in your own right."
Time and experience have led me to mature and grow over the years. Yet, my children have taught me more than I could have ever learned on my own. They have brought an entirely unique and special dimension to my life. While my time on the Temple Board has not been quite that gratifying, it has also provided me with new knowledge and personal satisfaction. As our Congregation has grown over the past few years, so too have our leaders and volunteers. I have had the opportunity to work alongside so many bright and talented people who are nothing short of selfless in giving their time and energy to make our Temple community the best that it can be. I am grateful to know that there are a number of new Board members, of which Geoff is one, whom I admire and respect for their dedication and sincere commitment to serving the best interest of everyone.
It is true that my turn to serve on the Board is ending, but my obligation as Congregant and volunteer will continue. The new Board of Directors will continue to have my support as they endeavor to achieve new successes and overcome challenges. I hope you will join me.
Shalom,
Judi McAnaw
May 2007
Geoff Kupferschmid
Director-at-Large
Dear Temple Members,
As a new board member I have been asked to write an article for The Menorah. When I was first asked to do this, I thought what in the world would I write about? However, after giving it some thought and with a little help from my wife, I quickly realized that I had at least three important events occur over the past twelve months, and they all involved the Temple. My daughter Rachel became a Bat Mitzvah, my son Daniel completed the building of the new Sukkah for his Eagle Scout project, and I became a member of the Temple Board of Directors.
First, I'd like to say that my family and I have been members of the Temple for the past ten years. Over those ten years we have always felt welcome by the Rabbi and the congregants. My wife Anne and I are still amazed at how the Rabbi seems to know the names of all our Temple children and always finds the time to make you feel welcome, even if you are not a regular at Friday night services.
Seeing my daughter Rachel become a Bat Mitzvah in September was an amazing day. I, of course, was a proud parent; she had worked so hard for so many years, as do all our Temple children. With Rabbi's preparation and Robin and Richard's music, it was a great and memorable day. When asked if she wanted the service held at the new Temple her response was, "No." Although the new Temple was new, more modern and larger, she said that the old building was her home; and she felt comfortable there. I thought that was a very mature response from a thirteen year old. That day she was poised and confident. All her hard work paid off. She has continued with confirmation class and enjoys it.
My second major event at the Temple involved my son Daniel and the building of a new Sukkah. Dan was approached by the Rabbi and Joe Greenfield to design a new Sukkah that can be assembled and disassembled each year. Since Daniel is a Boy Scout and was working towards the rank of Eagle Scout, he decided that this was the perfect Eagle Scout project and would also benefit his Temple. With the help of his family, his Boy Scout troop, Joe and Nick Greenfield, Brad and Michael Goldstein, and the Men's Club, he made it happen. He designed a new Sukkah for the new Temple that was larger and could be disassembled. He started the planning and and fundraising phase in the spring of 2006 and completed the construction of the new Sukkah in time for Sukkot in October. My wife Anne and I were very proud that Daniel not only completed his Eagle Scout project but was also able to make a significant contribution to our Temple. Seeing the congregation assembled under the Sukkah made me feel proud that I was part of our Temple family.
The next thing I did was join the Board of Directors of our Temple. To be honest, I never pictured myself as a Temple Board member (this was something my mother-in-law did for years, and I just didn't envision myself doing it). In the past when I was asked to consider becoming involved in the Temple I declined, primarily because I didn't have the time, with coaching my kids' sports teams (in-town football, baseball and softball) and holding various committee positions with Daniel's Boy Scout troop. However, last year, when asked, I thought "Why not?" My kids are older, and I'm no longer coaching their sports teams, and I thought it was time to give something back to my Temple. I became a Temple Board member (Director at Large) in June 2006. I can honestly say that before I joined the Board I didn't have an appreciation of what it takes to make the Temple run smoothly and the level of dedication and love many of the board members and committee chairpersons have for our Temple. With my background in Finance, the Budget and Finance committee seemed to be a natural fit. Although I'm still in the process of learning how the Temple runs, I feel that in a small way I'm making a difference.
I encourage every member of the Temple to get involved in one way or another. There is something everybody can do, whether it's becoming a board member or joining a committee that you have any interest in. There is plenty to do. My experience thus far has been rewarding, I'm working with some great people who really care about the future of our Temple. I look forward to the challenges that lay ahead, we have a beautiful new Temple and it's starting to feel like home.
Geoff Kupferschmid
April 2007
Ava Saperstein
1st Vice President
Growing Pains
I have a picture of my oldest daughter Wendy when she is about a week old. Her father is holding her up in the air to give her a kiss. She is wearing a pink stretchie which is much too big for her 6lbs. 4oz. Her feet don't reach the toes and you can't see her hands because they are too small for the sleeves.
What does this have to do with Temple Beth Elohim? We too are in a stretchie that appears to be too big for our arms and legs. It isn't. We have grown until the stretchie we wore on Route 22 became too small. We sometimes feel lost in our new surroundings because it feels too big. It isn't. Just as Wendy grew until her stretchie fit, so too will we grow and be comfortable in our new surroundings.
Some say this new building doesn't feel like home. It is. Just as a new life changes a family, the new building will change our Temple family. This is not a bad thing, we will change for the better. There already are more opportunities for study and gathering. Torah study on Saturday morning, adult education classes on Sunday morning, coffee in the lobby, Shabbat dinners once a month, these are only a few additions to our programs.
As we grow into our new building we will be adding more and more opportunities for learning and socializing. If you have ideas please share them. If you would like to volunteer to help there are many opportunities. Currently I am looking for help with the monthly Shabbat dinners.
If you have some need that is currently not being addressed please let someone know, Rabbi Acrish, Nan Coulter or any member of the Board of Directors. If we have missed something in the excitement of the move to our new building let us know. We are growing into our new home. Some things are so new that maybe they have been overlooked. We can't address the issues unless we have the information.
Just as Wendy grew into her stretchie so too will we as a Temple family grow into our new building. It will not be without growing pains but we will overcome those pains and enjoy our new home.
B'Shalom,
Ava Saperstein
March 2007
Brian Jenkinson
Financial Secretary
Dear Temple Members,
My wife Evelyn and my family joined the TBE family three years ago. We have two children, Lindsay in the 5th grade program and Brett, in the 3rd grade program. We joined Temple Beth Elohim to ensure that our children have a strong affiliation with their Jewish community and their heritage.
We are now in the process of making our new temple building our religious home. There are many things we love about the temple, including that Rabbi Acrish knows all the members by name - even the new ones - and how he greets all the children as they enter Sunday school. Family services are an inviting experience even for the uninitiated, and the congregants are very warm and friendly. These are the things that continue to give our new temple "on the hill" that comfortable, "old home" feel. The congregation, the heart and soul and lifeblood of the temple are still the same, and bring the continuity of the old home to the new. My point is, you can change the exterior but it is what is inside that counts.
As the Temple's Financial Secretary, it's my main responsibility to review the dues and ensure that they are received by the Temple in a timely fashion. Our budget is based on the pledges that everyone makes, so the continued cash flow is very important. To that end I have made some calls to congregants, and we have embarked on a reminder letter program. If you have received my “fan mail” please give me or the temple office feedback. Sometimes it can be a misposting of a check, or in other cases life throws us curveballs and your temple family is here to help.
On that note of dues and money, as I have come to realize over my 25-year finance career, there is a great deal to say about dollars – especially about the funding of a religious and social institution like Temple Beth Elohim. Unlike public organizations or profit-making companies, we rely mainly on membership dues and private donations to support our facilities and efforts (as well as the voluntary efforts of our members). The continued health and sustenance of our temple is completely dependent upon our membership's generosity.
A book published last year entitled, "Who Really Cares" cited some interesting – and surprising - findings about American generosity when it comes to charitable giving. Based on the research, Americans who give the most (based on a percentage of their income) are generally not the richest or the most socially liberal among us. In fact, Americans at the lower end of the income scale donate a higher percentage of their income. And the strongest predictor of charitable giving turns out to be religious participation.
One thing is for sure: whatever our income level, social leanings or political affiliation, we all have a finite number of dollars in our discretionary income box. We all have expenses, obligations and unforeseen costs that factor in to what we can give to the temple or to any other organizations.
How we spend our money largely represents the choices we make in our life. And much like how we spend our time, it sometimes takes some re-evaluation and adjusting to reflect what's most important to us. How important is it to you that your family has a stable, religious “home base,” a Jewish extended family to celebrate with and mourn with, a resource for Jewish education, and a link to the broader Jewish community?
In the role of Financial Secretary, I've gained a new pride in our temple, and I've come to understand just how much it takes to sustain it financially. With that new understanding, I'd encourage all of us to make sure that our own discretionary pies reflect how much we value Temple Beth Elohim, and the future of our Jewish heritage.
Thanks for your time,
Brian
January, 2007
Joe Coco
Parliamentarian
When I was asked to write an article for The Menorah, I pondered the opportunity. In my line of business I don't ever get the opportunity to write about “anything.” The subject is dictated to me to by an outside party, client or otherwise. I could tell you about myself, but that would be boring. So, I decided to pontificate, since I have a semi-captive audience. Semi-captive because I have a forum, but you could just stop reading this and move onto another part of The Menorah.
November and December 2006 were wonderful months for our congregation. Activities revolved around the completion of our new Temple building, what we on the building subcommittee affectionately call TBE North. We had the grand opening in November celebrating our first service at TBE North. The opening was just in time to celebrate Rabbi Acrish's forty years with our congregation (coincidence? I don't think so!). In December our religious school moved into TBE North and we dedicated the building mid-month. But what many people don't realize is that TBE North did not come into being over night. While I was volunteered into the building subcommittee in July 2005, the process began about ten years ago, around the time of Rabbi Acrish's celebration of his thirty years with the congregation.
From the stories I hear, TBE hired the architects to come up with a design for a new building in the mid 1990's. One of the first concept designs had a sunken roof, or what would be known as the “the roof-top swimming pool” design. The next concept design was much closer to what we have now except with a gymnasium on the end opposite the sanctuary. The design was actually for a different site location, but was made to fit onto our current site. Luckily for us the first site was not easily accessible, and I don't believe that the scenery would have been as nice as our current site location.
Many people do not understand the process of building a building like TBE North. After the building committee approved the architects' overall concept, the plans had to be submitted to various Putnam County, Town of Southeast, State of New York and City of New York departments for approvals. New York City was involved because of the proximity of TBE North to the New York City drinking water reservoirs. Once the approvals were in place it was virtually impossible to redesign TBE North without much expense and delay.
A subcommittee, known as the building subcommittee, consists of approximately four of us (the number was in flux over the course of construction). This Gang of Four met faithfully at least every Thursday morning from 8:00 AM until whenever to go over the nitty-gritty of construction. The Gang of Four's purpose was to balance the architect's design with the Temple Finance Committee's dollar limitation and the reality of the situation on a day to day basis. This was not an easy task. An example was the push bars on the glass exterior doors. The Gang of Four decided to save $30,000.00 by choosing different push bars than that specified by the architects. Not a big deal for TBE, but a big aesthetic and concept dilemma for the architects.
To make matters even more interesting for the Gang of Four, the architects did not provide detailed drawings of TBE North until the second quarter of 2006. The shell was almost complete and we were under a time deadline to complete the project. The Gang of Four did not have the luxury of time to review all the details decided unilaterally by the architects. With regard to the details, the Gang of Four threw caution to the wind and concentrated on the big items. Throughout the process there were tradeoffs of money, time and timing. Decisions had to be made by the Gang of Four quickly without the consensus of the entire building committee.
At the end of the building process the Gang of Four received many suggestions, through Joe Greenfield, the sacrificial lamb… I mean its leader, on how TBE North could be improved. The Gang of Four was greatly appreciative of this input. The Gang of Four was always open to suggestions from the congregation. But the suggestions generally came after the work was complete, which meant the cost to carry out the suggestions was prohibitive. TBE North was designed and built to meet the needs of everyone. It is impossible for every detail of TBE North to meet the approval of every congregant because of divergent views.
Hopefully you will agree that TBE North is a beautiful building. It is an edifice in which we will all make new friendships, continue old friendships, and which we will enjoy for centuries to come.
Joe Coco, Parliamentarian,
Temple Beth Elohim Board of Directors and one of the Gang of Four
