President's Message
Dear Members,
I have had the unique challenge and extreme honor to serve as president of B’nai Tikvah for the past two years. In accepting the position, I understood that I would be doing things outside my comfort zone. I learned how to understand and create a budget thanks to Gary Rosen, Art Shapiro and Denise Davis. I learned about the fine art of fundraising and negotiation from Al Schachter and Paul Bunkin. I learned that I had a voice and how to use it from Lori Samilson. I was reminded that there are many ways to lead groups from Rabbi Michael, Sheri Levin and Carolyn Bennett. Sevena Sacks and Jerri Gerace taught me the fine art of looking ahead and managing a calendar. Jay Chaskes taught me how to speak with clarity and wisdom. Rabbi Miriam and Wendy Marder taught me how to share with my child (and other children) the love of Jewish learning. My husband Ivan taught me how to pace myself and balance the many facets of my life (well he tried) such as work, religion, family and health. Paige reminds me to always to smile, laugh and love.
I have worked with many dedicated volunteers on tons of activities and committees. I would love to name everyone, but will not for fear of leaving anyone out. But, to all of you who have attended countless meetings, planned events, cooked, schlepped, made phone calls, made fliers, donated items, set up tables, and just always said “yes”….….a huge thanks!!! Thank you to those members of the board of trustees who met at least once a month to oversee our activities and policies. You have all helped me to achieve goals that I set at the start. The following are some of the goals we achieved:
- Improved the flow of board meetings and sharing of information. Thanks to a grant, our officers attended a workshop on how to improve our leadership skills.
- Made improvements to our building in preparation for the move to our new home.
- Negotiated the sale of our building so that we have the foundation for the purchase of our new one. (Thanks Al and Mina!)
- Found and purchased a new location for B’nai Tikvah when it became clear that expanding our building at our current location would require more than Herculean effort.
- Implemented a capital campaign with pledges for donations that far exceeded what many had predicted.
- Worked out an affiliation agreement with Beth Israel-Woodbury that unites our congregations to strengthen the Jewish community in and around Gloucester County.
All long, we have continued the spiritual and social traditions that our founders and long time members began, nearly 38 years ago. We have a fabulous education team that has shown unwavering dedication to our families and educational tradition, even with the challenges of sharing our space with the RCCG church. Our religious committee leads services when the Rabbis are away. They organize the High Holiday schedule. Over the past year, they have helped us find new, user friendly prayer books, and have begun to incorporate music into some of our services. Our Men’s Club and Sisterhood continue to provide opportunity for camaraderie. Our PTO was established and continues to raise funds for the school. All three of these groups have made generous donations in support of our programs and families. We teach our children the lessons of tzedakah and the importance of social activism. Our Bikkur cholim committee reminds us all to reach out with compassion to our fellow members.
Of course, there are always things we can improve upon. Some people express how welcome they feel at B’nai Tikvah. Others have said the opposite. If we want to be seen as being a warm and welcoming congregation, then we must all be responsible for participating in the B’nai Tikvah community and reaching out to fellow members. We must continue to make the phone calls inviting people to participate. At the same time, people should not wait to be called when they want to volunteer for something. At a time when we are expanding, there are plenty of jobs to be done. We continue to strive for improved communications to our membership and the community. We continue to reach out to potential new members.
We must continue to keep the synagogue toward the top of our priority list. Please remember to support the fundraisers that keep our operating budget in check. Buying scrip is an easy way to bring funds to the congregation. Our Jewish tradition is strong when it comes to tzedakah. There are so many donor opportunities such as donation cards, tree of life, yahrtzeit plaques, book dedications, and donation to scholarship funds or the Rabbi’s discretionary fund. Sponsor an oneg for a birthday, anniversary, graduation…or “just because!” Make a donation in honor or memory of a loved one. Any amount is appreciated and all amounts add up. Give from your heart. Share what makes you feel good.
My view for the future of B’nai Tikvah-Beth Israel is of a welcoming and vibrant Jewish Community. I strongly believe that we have elected an intelligent, motivated, dedicated group of people from B’nai Tikvah to participate on the transitional board in the coming year. Denise Davis has demonstrated her superb organizational skills. She will be a strong leader to help guide the daunting task of affiliating (merger) with Beth Israel, creating a home that is a mix of traditions from both congregations. She has vision, and is excellent at evaluating “the big picture.” She has already established excellent communication with officers from Beth Israel. She has proved time and again, that she has the qualities it takes to lead our congregation into the future.
Denise will have her own unique set of challenges in the coming years. I am confident that she and her board will lead us in the right direction. I am confident that everyone will offer her the support and respect that you have shown me over the last two years.
May we all be blessed with the love of Judaism and of our Jewish community. May we continue to share the bounty of our strengths and the lessons of shortcomings. And, may we continue to strengthen the bonds of fellowship and spirituality.
Respectfully,
Jamie Green 
