Vintage

As we close out 2009, I would like to highlight some of our recent accomplishments. Did you know that Steve Lieblich recently revamped our website and it is full of useful and up to date information that can be accessed by simply logging on to www.jcch.org?  It is being used to announce school closings; we have added a job bank; and all of the information included in the B’nai Mitzvah Institute binders is now online.  The calendar is constantly being updated and is your best source for everything happening at the synagogue.  The amazon.com link is generating revenue for the synagogue – 4%-6% of every purchase made.  Those of you who log on to jcch.org first and then use the link on the home page to go to amazon.com are contributing valuable dollars to synagogue funds. Please continue using this feature and encourage your friends to use it.  I recently told my kids to buy their college textbooks from amazon.com; but to go to jcch.org first. 

Did you know that the Men’s Club donated new windows in the ballroom and terrace room?   Thanks to Bob Miller’s diligence and coordination with the contractors, they have been installed beautifully.  It’s a lot warmer during Shabbat Kiddush and we are reaping the benefits of having sealed the leaks and replaced single pane with double pane windows.  We have also fixed the leaking roof over the Kiddush Room and thanks to Paul Brandes we found a most reasonable contractor who completed the project in just a few weeks.  Susan Bender, with a professional decorator, is in the process of finalizing new décor for the Ballroom and Kiddush Room.  We expect that we will refurbish after the B’nai Mitzvah season winds down in June. 

Did you know that we are anticipating a balanced budget by the end of our fiscal year?  We started this year with a deficit budget of $160,000 and our current projections are showing a balanced budget by the end of our fiscal year.  The Early Childhood Center benefited from higher than expected enrollment, we have welcomed Young Israel Congregation during Shabbat and Holidays as they rebuild their home across Union Avenue and, most importantly, we had a very successful Kol Nidre Campaign. I know that I broke a long standing tradition of not making a direct appeal on the High Holidays but leadership of the synagogue felt there was little choice given the size of the deficit we faced.  Joel Rotner, Stephen Thurer and Alex Wohl, (the Kol Nidre Campaign Committee) were diligent, as always. You heeded the clarion call and we thank you for your generosity and support. Did you know that the strategic planning committee, chaired by Florence Kraut, has been very active and on Sunday morning March 7 we will conduct a Vision to Action workshop? You are all invited to be part of this effort. 

Drawing on your responses to the survey and your participation in the parlor meetings conducted during the fall season, we have identified six initiatives to be tackled by task forces that will soon be formed.  There is energy and excitement surrounding this project and we hope you will be part of the renewed spirit and revitalization of the synagogue community.  Please mark your calendars now and join us for this event.