From The President

The entire CBS community welcomes our new rabbi, Larry Moldo, his wife Andrea, and son Samuel. Please make sure you join us at a welcoming get-together on Thursday, July 9 in the CBS court yard.

This past month I had the opportunity to attend a going-away dinner for Jay Weiner, who has served as Executive Director for the North Western Region of USCJ which extends from Edmonton, Alberta to Fresno, California. Jay's wife was ordained as a rabbi last year and took a job in St. Louis, Missouri. Jay has been commuting from St. Louis for the past year while we were looking for his replacement. He was very lucky to land the same position for the Mid West region and I am happy to say we have not lost Jay from the USCJ.

Morrie Schapira, from Kol Emeth in Palo Alto, will be taking Jay's place. He plans to visit all the congregations in the region and I'm sure he will come visit us.

The keynote speaker of the evening was Mark Udoff who is the new President of the University of California. His wife is the past International Vice President of USCJ. We are very lucky that such an active member in the conservative movement has been hired for this prestigious post. Both he and his wife were wonderful speakers and I learned things about the UC system that I had never known.

For instance, I knew that the UC system was one of the top Universities in the country, but I did not realize the reputation it holds in the world. The level of research and innovation that comes out of schools such as UCSF, UCLA, UCD and others is staggering, and has made significant changes in the world. The UC system is held up as a model for other colleges to emulate. And the UC systems give preference to California residents in their admissions policies. I feel very fortunate to have been a graduate of a UC campus.

Rochelle and I also felt special when Jay, during his goodbye remarks, singled us out for coming to the event and how much it meant to him. Jay has been a real friend to our congregation. He has been to CBS on many occasions, helping with Board bonding, and assisting us with rabbinic issues. It is going to be very hard to fill his shoes and I will miss his guidance.

Half the year is over and it is a time for transitions. We are losing our regional executive director but gaining a new rabbi. This should be a time of anticipation and excitement for us all as we get ready to prepare for the high holidays and the beginning of a new year. Please come by the synagogue and meet Rabbi Moldo. Make an appointment to see him during his office hours.

As I try to do each month, here is another volunteer opportunity for our members. Rabbi Moldo would like to work with any of our members who are interested in having a lay leadership role in the high holidays this year. He would like to schedule meetings with anyone interested (and that means YOU) during the first week to 10 days after he arrives during his office hours. Please call Rabbi Moldo or Sandy to schedule an appointment. You will be doing a great Mitzvah for CBS.

Embrace the Opportunity to Serve

One of our members has demonstrated this for the many years I have known her. Not only did she volunteer on the Board for many years, and assist in many projects, she also took on the role of Religious Education Director and was the program coordinator for over 6 years.

However, at the end of this month, Marlene Gonsalves has decided it is time for her to take on new challenges outside of CBS. Although you will see her helping others, it will be in a voluntary role rather than as professional staff.

We owe a big thanks to Marlene for her support and energy which brought us many new programs such as tree plantings in the park, several successful Art Auctions, Lunch and Learn, Dog days, and other fun events as well as bringing new ideas to our summer social, seders, and hanukkah parties. She has also done much of the behind the scenes work, including the community luncheons when we have visiting rabbis. Lets be sure to let her know how much we appreciated her talents!

Another person who has been a large help to those events is Celia Angel, who will now step into her new role as Event Coordinator begining July 1. Some of her first projects include the Rabbi Welcoming in July and the August Summer Social. We are fortunate to have community members who truly embrace the opportunity to serve.

Mazel Tov!

Mazel tov to our newest grandparents, Buzz and Kathy Cohn upon the birth of Arthur (Arty) Z.N. Cohn to son Barrett and Tria Cohn in San Francisco.  Baby "Arty" weighed in at 5 lbs. 11 oz. and was born on May 30, 2009.  Hearty congratulations to "Auntie" Mara and cousin Blake as well.  We know the road to SF will be well traveled....

Remember, half of every subscription to J- will go to Congregation Beth Shalom.  See your Bulletin for details.