Thanks for the Memories

Two years ago, writing twenty bulletin articles seemed like a daunting task. It’s hard to believe that this is my last article as President. I’d like to take this opportunity to dispel a very common myth.

Over the past two years, many people have commented that being a synagogue president is a thankless task. Nothing could be further from the truth. I can’t speak for all synagogue presidents, but being President of Temple Emunah is a very rewarding experience. In fact, as I’ve participated in many events, and been behind-the-scenes with other activities, the breadth and depth of what we do never fails to amaze me. I hope many of you will aspire to a leadership position.

I have come to realize that much of what we do we take for granted. As I read the USCJ Presidents’ Listserve, other presidents ask questions about how to start an adult education program, how to go about reducing the number of hours children attend Religious School, how to get congregants to attend minyan, how to have an alternative service, etc. Many Conservative Synagogues are shrinking while we continue to be a vibrant congregation.

All of this is possible because of our dedicated staff and volunteers. I could not have done my job without the support of Rabbi Lerner, Rabbi Jacobs, the staff, the Board and, of course, my husband. I especially want to thank Marcy Lidman – she set a new standard for Executive Vice President. I was also blessed to have Lester Blumberg and David Ezekiel as Past Presidents. They were incredibly generous with their time, good counsel, and support.

There are many rewards from the job. To name just a few, I have had the opportunity to watch many children come to the bimah to chant ashrei, and then take their place as b’nai mitzvah. I have talked with many congregants about your hopes and dreams for our community. I have watched as we continue to make our twice-daily minyanim, something that is increasingly rare in other shuls. From time to time, I have popped in to the Family Minyan, and seen our youngest members engaged in Shabbat.

One of the best parts of the job is receiving all the compliments. I can’t tell you how many people – congregants, new members, visitors - have told me what a warm and welcoming place this is, what wonderful Torah readers we have, how beautiful our building is, how friendly our office staff is, etc. I am also grateful to those of you who called, or sent an email, or came over to me to thank me for my efforts on behalf of the congregation.

While the job of President is rewarding, I admit it is not always easy. There were times I was awake at 3:00 AM worrying about something. There were times after a long work day where I felt like I just couldn’t respond to one more email. Sometimes I felt like I needed the wisdom of Solomon. There were difficult decisions that needed to be made. I tried my best to listen, to keep an open mind, to look for creative solutions, to be supportive, always trying to put the good of the whole ahead of the desires of a few. I hope I lived up to your expectations.

During my first Kol Nidre speech, I spoke about the process of Appreciative Inquiry: the process of building on our strengths as we create a vibrant future. In fact, we have quite a lot of strengths upon which to build. So here is my one last request as President of Temple Emunah: remember to see the best in your fellow congregants, in our staff, in our clergy, and in every volunteer who works to hard to make Temple Emunah the special place it is.

Thank you for the honor of being President. As I return to “my” seat next to Ken on the front row, my perspective on synagogue life will be much richer than it was two years ago as a result of the opportunity you gave me.

May we continue to learn together, pray together, and care for each other as we work to create an enduring Jewish community.

L’Shalom,

Lois Bruss

To contact the President click here.

Click Here to read the President's Kol Nidre Address