Well, it's been a year now since Robyn, the girls, and I moved here. It's been an exciting year with many wonderful developments. First, both Robyn and I have been grateful and overwhelmed by the warm welcome everyone has given us. You quickly made us feel part of the community, and we thank you.
Thanks to Seymour Dicker, our past president, the transition over this past year has been relatively smooth and painless. The Board worked responsibly to meet its goals and priorities. People, for the most part, have been appreciative of our programs and our activities.
Participation at services has remained high, and our new binders with translation and transliteration have helped even newcomers to learn our service. Our new CD of Temple B'rith Shalom Shabbat Songs has encouraged everyone to sing our service. Friday nights and Saturday mornings are fun here. Many thanks to Gwenda Krochock for all of her work; she brings energy and music to our services, and we are grateful to her.
A large number of people are taking Adult Education courses. I hope the trend continues. An even larger number of people are taking Hebrew courses. With Marilynn Yeakley's popular weekly classes, that trend will definitely continue.
Thanks to Marv Rifkin, the Religious School went smoothly. Our teachers worked hard; we are looking forward to another successful Religious School year. I have nine students who are working with me independently on a regular basis. If your child would like the extra enrichment of working with me, call the office (708-0018).
We continue to attract new members. Thanks to Lois Kirschner, those who expressed interest were welcomed warmly.
We continue to be positively visible in the community. Through our work at the Interfaith Coalition for Compassion and Justice; and our work in a slew of volunteer organizations, we emphasize our commitment to social action, social justice, and the American way....
The Prescott Jewish Foundation continues to grow as its board works hard to ensure a long-term successful Jewish Presence in the Tri-(sic) City area.
There are still a lot of things that we need to improve. Our Family Shabbat Services were not successful this year. We will try again with more parental input. Families have to believe that, given the hectic nature of their lives, the service is worth it. As of this moment, they don't.
I'd like to create a successful Youth Group. Last year's base was just too small to provide any energy. I hope this year will be better.
I'd like to work with a Chavurah, a group of Jews who meet regularly in one another's houses just to socialize with Jews and to bring a little Judaism into their daily lives. This requires "grass-roots" energy. I hope someone has it.......
Our ground base of volunteers is smaller than I'd like. I believe a Jewish community is healthy when everyone gets involved. We might not reach "everyone" this year, but I'd sure like to try.
I'd like for us to do more "outreach" work toward Jews who are not members.
For a first year, 5763 has been very exciting and, I think, very positive. I hope this coming year is even more successful. Have a joyous summer.
