Past President’s Message
June, 2008

My Friends,

Two years ago at about this time I sat down to write my first bulletin article. It was just after Pesach, and I had not yet even been installed as President. I wrote about the challenges and opportunities that were before us and about the strength of spirit within our congregation that is the soul of Temple Emunah. I was excited to become president, yet humbled and more than a little daunted by the responsibility I was undertaking.

Roll forward two years. It is just after Pesach, and I am still President, though by the time you read this new leadership will have taken its place. As I write my last bulletin article as President, I am filled with many emotions. This has been a wonderful experience. I have gotten to know so many of you over these two years. I have had the opportunity to speak with you, to share your simchas, and to be with you in times of sadness. You have enriched my life by your passion and commitment to our kehillah kedoshah, our sacred community.

It has been a pleasure and an honor to work so closely with Rabbi Lerner and our other professional staff. We are blessed with an extraordinarily talented staff who are devoted to our shul, and without whom we could not achieve a fraction of our successes year in and year out. The partnership between our staff and our lay leaders is nothing short of remarkable. To the the cadre of lay leaders and volunteers who are essential to everything we do: you have made me proud to be a leader among such talent and dedication.

I am so pleased that Lois Bruss has taken on the role of President and that Marcy Lidman has stepped up as Executive Vice President. They are a dynamic team – and together with the other officers and Board members they will continue the trajectory of success I inherited when I took this office. Please give them all the support I have felt from you over my term.

While it is with some sadness that I think about leaving the presidency, there is, of course there is a big part of me that is relieved to relinquish the responsibility. But let me be clear: It is NOT as bad as people think it is! Sure there are meetings and a few phone calls, and way too many emails – the job does take time. However the rewards far outstrip the burdens. On the other hand, I am looking forward to cleaning off my desk for the first time in two years!

I am grateful for having had the opportunity to serve Temple Emunah as its President. I am deeply honored by the trust you placed in me and my ability to lead the congregation, and I will forever cherish the kindness and support I have received from so many of you.

Thank you.

Lester Blumberg
President

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