From the President - October 1999

Rabbi Black recently quoted Hillel: "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?" (This quote was in Week Three of the Four Weeks of Elul preparation for the High Holy Days, entitled Communal Lives which was sent through Congregation's e-mail list and discussed at services prior to the High Holy Days.) Reading the questions the Rabbi posed about our commitment to the community, caused me to think of all the different people who give so very much of themselves to Congregation Albert. Not only do we have a dedicated hard-working staff and clergy, but we have so many dedicated volunteers who give countless hours to make Congregation Albert such a great congregation.

When I reflect on our community, I can't help but think of: Shelly Liebman's development and maintenance of our web site and e-mail message system and his assistance with our office computers; Kathy Gross and Jo-Anne Duchen's consistent and quality work in getting out this Bulletin; Janet Barsky's devotion to our library; Judy Mindlin's successful arrangement of Family Shabbat snack and dinner; Tanya Miller's leadership in the Rosh Chodesh services; all of the members of the Board and Executive Committee who devote so much time and energy to the well-being of the Congregation (with special recognition to Ed Caplan for his incredible devotion in setting up our new accounting system and to Julia Kalmus for organizing our new directory and coordinating many events); Sisterhood's generous, but hard-earned, fundraising for the benefit of the entire Congregation and the Religious School; Brotherhood for all the delicious eating opportunities they provide; Toby Grossman and Lew Barsky's successful development of a Long Range Planning Process; Judy Weinreb for preserving our heritage through her efforts as Chair of the Archive Committee; and the Zamir for the wonderful music they give us.

These are only a few of those who have given to the Congregation Albert Community. There are countless others, like the mail crew, the challah bakers, the office volunteers; the committee chairs and members of those committees, volunteer teacher assistants; those who clean the grounds (and the temple); the Library volunteers; those who serve on ad hoc committees to put on fundraisers and concerts; those who provide onegs after services; those who cook and serve at Project Share; those who volunteer to teach classes; those who give their professional expertise freely when asked; those who give additional financial contributions to run programs and buy needed items; and those who are there to help wherever they are needed.

Despite naming so many volunteers, there is not enough room in the Bulletin to name and thank everyone for their volunteer work. My point is, our Congregation is blessed with so many who contribute so much to our community. All of you who do give so much must be having an easy time preparing for the High Holy Days as you answer the Rabbi's inquiry about commitment to community. Our appreciation, while not given often enough, is great. For without you, we could not be the congregation that we are.

Of course, we would like to offer more programs, to be a more caring community for our congregants, to have things run more smoothly, and to share the work that keeps our congregation wonderful. We do need more help, more volunteers. If, when you reviewed your actions for the last year in preparation for the coming year, you resolved to give more of yourself to your community this coming year, then remember we sure could use your help.

B'Shalom,
Karen Kahn

Previous Bulletin Page
October 1999 Bulletin Home Page
Next Bulletin Page