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Traditional
Congregation of Creve Coeur Seth D. Gordon, Rabbi Ephraim I. Zimand, Rabbi Emeritus |
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A Special Thank You from Rabbi Gordon |
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As the summer approaches, we reaffirm the democratic process and a non-violent transition, noting the overwhelming margin of victory of our new President and Executive VP, and with them come new officers and board members. There is much good that we can accomplish, especially if we work together and personally commit to seeing success. I look forward to working together with the new president and officers and board. Our prayers and wishes for success to Phillip L. Brick. On my own behalf and on behalf of the congregation, I want to thank all of the members of the past board for their service. Alan E. Rosenberg brought a great deal to the congregation during his tenure. He was responsible and engaged. Not only did he come prepared at meetings, but often he provided input at committee meetings, and spent many hours on assignments, as a reflection of his love of this congregation, Yiddishkeit, and to be a responsible president. Moreover, he brought considerable intelligence and creative out-of-the-box thinking to challenges. Alan also made religious commitments. He was a regular part of our Shabbat community and attended Shacharit and Minchah-Arvit minyanim. On the bimah, Alan’s humor brought a warm and light touch to the close of our service. I think he could write (and sell) a book “Humor for Congregational Presidents: 52 Jokes for 52 Shabbatot.” Finally, I intuit, only because I cannot know it as a matter-of-fact, that Alan and Donna worked as a team. Although I am not privy to the financial information of individual members, nor do I want to be (in order that finances not unduly and inappropriately influence my rabbinical work), the contribution of the Rosenbergs to our sefer Torah repair and other sponsorships suggests that their financial support was substantial and a product of a shared commitment. Of course, Naomi Fishman’s incomparable energetic creativity took us to new and unforgettable places on Succot, Purim and Chanukah. Marty Bell brought a friend’s play to St Louis and enlisted a strong turnout, not only from our congregation, but from the community-at-large. And Naomi Sanders, severely limited by illness, found the strength and wherewithal to assemble a beautiful cookbook (with invaluable assistance from Justin Zeid). In the ritual administration, we thank Anat Reschke (Chairperson of the Ritual Committee), Zumi Brody (to whom we wish God’s blessing as he and Caryn make aliyah), and the members of the Ritual Committee who, without fanfare, execute many facets of religious life in the synagogue. It is comforting to have Marty Levy and the gabbaiim keeping our services running smoothly. Special recognition goes to our Torah readers who invest considerable time in preparing the readings, and to my son Joshua for assigning the readers each week. The faithful diligence of our Angels in the kitchen brings us from the spiritual to the culinary. The Education and Chesed Committees promote and sustain vital pillars of what a congregation must be. And although I am less directly involved with Building and Grounds, and Administration, they have accomplished much on the building, with AC/Heating, and the garden (Tobie Hupert). The coming year already looks promising with our Crown Grant for some special Shabbat programming, our Israel Bonds Dinner, Scholar-in-Residence, and classes (with a few new twists). Summer means vacation when away, but when in town, know that we have not moved. We look forward to seeing you. --Rabbi Seth Gordon |
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