This is it – my final Shofar column. “This is the end”. Five years of serving as president of Temple Emanuel spread out over two terms—the first was for two years, which commenced on July 1, 2015; the second for three years and commenced on July 1, 2022. This is my final term and it ends June 30, 2025.
At that time, I will have served as president of TE for a longer period than any prior president. “What a long, strange trip it’s been!”
Despite my joking about being president, it has been very rewarding (well mostly).
It has provided me the opportunity to work with the Rabbi, the TE staff, our lay leaders and most importantly, you, the TE congregation. Having my terms separated by more than a decade, has enabled me to see firsthand that ”the times, they are a changin‘. ” Fifteen years ago, we had a new young rabbi who was replacing a legend, Rabbi Brieger. Now while Rabbi Farbman is still young, he too is a legend with a wealth of experience. The challenges of 15 years ago have been replaced by new challenges.
I’ve been trying to figure out if I am the oldest TE president. While I am not certain of the answer to that, I am certain (and proud) that I am the most immature. (“Ah, but I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now.”). It has been fun. “Thank you for letting me be myself again.” I have worked with wonderful Board members who have made me, undeservedly, look good. While this is the end of my presidency, it is not the end of my commitment and love of TE. I am not “leaving on a jet plane” and will continue to work for TE and its new
outstanding president, Lindsey Sussman. Please show her as much kindness as you have shown me. I love and appreciate all of you. And, of course, thank you Caryn!
And “I’ve got to be drifting along…”