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President's Message
August 2007

300 (NOT THE MOVIE)

Outwardly, the summer appears to be a slow time for the synagogue. Attendance at Shabbat services usually declines slightly as many of our community's families enjoy out-of-town vacations. Rabbi Gotlieb is usually on vacation in July and Cantor Miller in August.

Despite appearances, the summer is actually a frenzied time for the synagogue Board and staff. It is during this season that the synagogue must set its fiscal year budget, prepare for High Holy Day services, and, perhaps most intensely, organize the membership outreach and renewal process.

Last year, our community consisted of 289 member families. This represented an increase of three over the previous fiscal year and is only seven member units short of our record of 296 families set a few years ago.

Over the past five years, our membership has not dipped below 274 families. Such consistency is a credit to our community. As Rabbi Gotlieb has observed, we are not in a growth industry. Jewish observance in general, as well as the Conservative Movement specifically, has been declining nationally over the past years.

Locally, we have seen similar-sized congregations become defunct. We can accordingly be proud that our community is thriving in the face of many challenges.

That is the good news. It is also true, however, that every year our expenses increase faster than our membership. In order to continue to offer all of our wonderful activities, programs and events, we have to continually strive to increase our revenue.

The two primary ways to do this are fund-raising and increasing membership. While we constantly strive to do both, increasing our membership has the additional benefit of blessing our community with new and interesting people.

For this reason, I have asked the Membership Committee to have as one of its goals attaining a membership of 300 families. Crashing through the 300 barrier would be a significant milestone for our community. It is within our reach.

I ask you to help us achieve "300" in the following ways.

First, if you have not done so, please renew your membership as soon as possible. Memberships packets were sent out last month. If you did not receive one, contact our office and we will send you a replacement.

Second, please attend one or more of our membership events. The predominant reason given by new members to explain why they chose Kehillat Maarav is that the people were warm and it just "felt" right. That feeling can only be generated through our existing members' participation in our events.

Finally, if you have friends who are unaffiliated Jews or who might otherwise be interested in our congregation, please bring them along to our events.

On Saturday August 11th, we will have a Shabbat in 3D entitled: Learning to Forgive Others as We Learn to Forgive Ourselves. The program will be led by Rabbi Gotlieb in dialogue with Dr. Martin Berkowitz.

On Sunday August 19th, we will have a family style breakfast, including children's activities, with our Immediate Past President Sandy Rosenblatt cooking his famous French toast.

Finally, on Friday September 7th, we will have a Kabbalat Shabbat service. Please join us to show potential members of our community your intelligence, wit and warmth.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Jamie Green
President