As I write this report, it is the middle of August. My presidency officially commenced on June 11, 2007. The month of June is the last month requiring Board and Executive activity before the summer hiatus. We made it through the month without any major issues. However, on the social and programming scene, June was a very exciting month.

On June 22, Brenda and I attended our wildly successful Kabbalat Shabbat Boat Cruise. I want to congratulate our Program Director, Shira Uretsky, the Program Chairs, Lorne and Paulette Weiss, Rabbi Green, Cantor Mass and our junior choir, as well as Chef Joel Lafond and his staff for a wonderful evening of spirituality, community and great food.

June’s social calendar wasn’t finished yet. I am not sure if it is a first for any president of the Shaarey Zedek, but I have had the absolute pleasure of attending the weddings of two of our clergy this summer. June 26 started out a little cloudy and cool, but as the evening grew near, the clouds drifted away and the sun miraculously appeared. God chose to smile on Aníbal Mass and Adrienne Meyers to ensure that their plans for an outdoor wedding on the grounds of the Synagogue would come to fruition. It was a beautiful ceremony that went off without a hitch (although a little less wind would have been nice). We proceeded inside for the reception that was catered fabulously by Joel and his staff. Our second wedding was the August ceremony for Rabbi Larry Pinsker and Laurelle Harris. Once again, we were treated to an incredibly beautiful ceremony and a fantastic reception with unbelievable food and pastries. The music man was very “in tune” with his crowd and we danced the night away. I will take this opportunity to wish Aníbal and Adrienne and Larry and Laurelle much happiness and good health in their new lives together.

At the end of June we had to say goodbye to our unbelievable Chazzan Sheini, Matthew Leibl. I really do not have the words to describe what a fabulous asset the Shaarey Zedek was privileged to have for the past three years. I have never met a young man who could so easily deal with people of all age groups and be loved and admired by all of them. His energy, enthusiasm, Torah reading skills and teaching ability will be sorely missed. All of us at Congregation Shaarey Zedek wish Matthew a hearty Yasher Koach for a job extremely well done.

Our staff is now working extremely hard on High Holidays that are just around the corner in mid-September. It is an extremely stressful time around the Synagogue. The administrative staff have to organize and co-ordinate everything that goes into ensuring the success of the three High Holiday days. The clergy are preparing for the High Holiday services, including the special Family Service that we now hold. This is, of course, on top of all of their regular duties in serving a congregation as large as ours. The choir is practicing at least twice a week and I know Yuri will have them in top form. As President, and on behalf of the Board, I want each of them to know how much we appreciate all of the extra effort that they give at this time of year.

As I look back on these first two months of presidency, it has been both exciting and challenging. I look forward to ensuring that we maintain the excitement that Shaarey Zedek has created over the last few years. As well, I know that our Executive and Board Members are up to meeting the challenges that the Synagogue faces. For me personally, ensuring that the visioning process continues is a priority. We must create a plan for the future of our Synagogue in order to determine our future fundraising and capital needs.