From the President

Dear My CBS Family,

Since November 1, 2007 our CBS family has once again been in transition.  Prior to that date, for nearly two years we navigated our way through synagogue life via lay leadership at every level.  That leadership found meaning and purpose in its actions.  Many of us really became more empowered, self-reliant Jews over that time period.  Many of our members expressed a greater sense of belonging and connectedness.  In fact, I have said many times over the years that Judaism doesn't require a rabbi.  Well, over that period of time I came to learn, through various issues involving many of our members, that in general a rabbi, and specifically Rabbi Art Gould, really is necessary for our community.

I found over that period of empowerment that some issues arise in synagogue life that lay leaders are not fully equipped to handle.  I found that some issues are best dealt with within the safe confines of the rabbi's office.  I found that some members require a rabbi to feel connected to our CBS family, the Jewish people, and to G-d.  This new transition period from complete lay leadership to shared rabbinic-lay leadership is not an easy one for many, while welcomed by most.  I have observed a reticence in active lay leadership as we all try to balance the tightrope between respecting rabbinical authority while retaining lay autonomy.  Prior to November 1st, we as lay leaders largely did as we saw best.  Today's reality is one in which our very independent lay leaders and members must open ourselves to the role of our new rabbinic and spiritual leader.  Conversely, our new rabbi must learn how to maneuver within our CBS family of connected and unconnected, empowered and underpowered, more observant and less observant members.  We must all learn to allow Rabbi Gould to be Rabbi Gould and not just a rabbi we are all going to attempt to mold into our perfect rabbi or one of our past rabbis.

My advice to all our congregants, lay leaders and new rabbi is that the most effective form of leadership is an inclusive, sensitive, attention-giving, Jewish-based positive style.  Our Pirkei Avot shows each of us the path to effective leadership.  We are told "Be cautious in rendering a decision," "Rear many students," "Be like the servant who serves their master unconditionally, with no thought of reward," "Open wide the doors of your home and make the poor welcome," "When you assess people, tip the balance in their favor," "Do not judge your fellow human being til you stand in his situation," "Be not easily provoked to anger," "Love peace, Pursue peace, love your fellow creature," "Greet every person with a smile."  As our CBS family continues this transition into shared governance, I believe all of our members, lay leaders, and new rabbi would do well to head the advice of our patriarchs.

Now that Rabbi Gould has been part of our family for over 4 months, it is time for all of us to recommit ourselves to our Jewish home and family.  The rabbi can't do it alone; just as our lay leaders could not do it alone.  The rabbi needs us.  We need each other.  We need the rabbi.  Our CBS family now has the foundation it needs to grow.  We have a refurbished synagogue campus.  We have paid off our mortgage.  We have grown, shrunk, and grown again in members.  We have a nearly balanced budget.  We have committed lay leaders and now we have a wonderful new rabbi.  While many of us have used the past four months to take a well-deserved deep breath, it is time for all of us to pull together to make our CBS family the most meaningful, inclusive, connected, learned Jewish family for all of its members--past, present and future.

What are some things that you can do?  Please call Rabbi Art and set an appointment to share your story with him.  You can meet him in his office or you can invite him to visit your home.  I meet with Rabbi Art weekly.  He is a warm, engaging, knowledgeable, and caring man.  Invite the Rabbi and his wife to your home with a group of your friends.  He would like to form a relationship with you and your family. 

As to organizational activities....  I am looking for members to work with me on a By-Law review and the development of a purpose statement for CBS.  Eric Grose and Gloria Ringsby would like some help to organize fundraisers, including more "Texas Hold 'Em" nights.  Pat Hall and the program committee would like some help since Marlene has had to take a leave of absence from her position as Program Coordinator to care for her mother, Geri.  Join the building and grounds committee to work on a Bima redesign.  In addition, we are now accepting nominations for members to serve on our Board of Directors.  I call on all committee chairs to meet with their committees this month to resume our lay leadership duties.  Together, with a warm greeting, open minds, caring hearts, and kind words, CBS will continue to become more Jewishly meaningful for all of us as we conclude this transition to a new area of shared rabbinic-lay leadership.

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