MONTHLY MESSAGES

I was once told that working for a congregation can be a lot like riding a roller coaster with lots of highs and lows, and the last few months have definitely felt like a roller coaster ride.

Because there have been a lot of highs and lows of late I want to start of my article this month by thanking all of the staff and volunteers here at the Temple who have been putting extra time and effort to make sure that our congregational life has been running smoothly. I don’t think anyone, including Rabbi Kaufman, thought he would need surgery and miss conducting the High Holidays, but I again I am thankful for everyone who stepped forward to make sure our services are covered and given Rabbi Kaufman the time he needs to recover.

One thing I wish I could report was that all our security updates were complete and that we would have new doors installed for the High Holidays. Sadly the doors are not scheduled to be complete until the end of September, and won’t be installed until after the High Holidays. Thankfully we have received back 100% of our costs so far, and I was notified that we received an additional grant for $20,000 to make more security improvements to our building. With these additional funds we hope to make some improvements to our parking lot and the locks inside our building.

Hopefully these security improvements will not be the only improvements to the building we make this year.  We are continuing to look at replacing much of our equipment in the kitchen, and we will be doing some tuck-pointing on the building and repairing sections of our sidewalks. As you continue to join us for services throughout the year I hope you’ll be on the lookout for these improvements.

So as we observe the High Holidays we have a lot to look forward to here at the Temple and I hope that all you do, too. On behalf of all the staff here at Temple B’nai Jeshurun Shanah tovah um’tukah.

Shalom,

David Muenchrath

A matter that has caught the attention of many congregants has been the issue of security.  It’s certainly a different world we’re living in, and it’s continuing to change…not necessarily for the better in some cases.

As I mentioned in the communication that went out prior to the High Holidays, it is an extremely difficult balance to walk.  On one hand there are some people who want every possible security measure taken, and that makes a lot of sense.  However how do we balance that with the desire for more access to the building, not to mention the budgetary constraints?

Ideally I suspect we strive for (and will end up) somewhere between wide open access and a safe room.  Please make no mistake about it – the safety of our members, staff and guests is of paramount importance.  It’s just figuring out a practical way to accomplish it.  Your thoughts and comments are welcome.

One of the more important security features we’re adding is what I’m calling panic buttons.  Think of them as “I’ve fallen but I can’t get up” prototypes.  Let me explain.  In late Spring there was some theft at the Temple following a community wide event.  Apparently 1-2 people (we’re guessing) came in with the crowd and hid out.  When everyone left the intruders decided to help themselves.  Fortunately they only took two microphones before the motion sensors set off the alarms and they ran.

Both the Rabbi and Charles told me that they had done a quick walk-thru prior to leaving and didn’t see anyone.  But what if it didn’t happen that way?  What if, G-d forbid, as each of them individually did their walk-thru they actually would have encountered the intruders?  Candidly it startles, alarms and frightens me to think of what could have happened if either the Rabbi or Charles would have come face to face with what, in effect, was a cornered animal.

When we have Shabbat or other events, the Temple is full enough that there are really no isolated areas.  However on a daily basis that’s not true.  The safety of our staff and occasional guests needs to be anticipated.  With that in mind we are attempting to find room in the budget to purchase the panic buttons, which would cover our staff of five plus another five for the limited visitors we get.

The panic buttons would be required to be worn at all times by the staff and visitors so that no matter where they are in the building, if they encounter an emergency or threatening situation all they have to do is press the button.  That will trigger the alarm throughout the building and immediately notify the security company.

It is not my intention to alarm or scare anyone.  To the contrary I’m hoping that this update has given all some comfort.  However, the truth is that we live in an unpredictable world, and we’re taking the steps we can to minimize that risk.

On another matter, after I was elected President of TBJ I made the decision to try to meet with all of the past presidents individually.  My thought process at the time was to leverage their experience.  I wanted to get their insight from during their term and also their observations afterward.  At the risk of hurting my shoulder trying to pat myself on the back, what a good idea that was!

We have been blessed with a long line of incredible people who have been president at TBJ.  They are competent, knowledgeable, determined, tough, and able to see the bigger picture while paying attention to detail.  And you know what?  They have all been so gracious in giving me the benefit of their time and advice.  More on that in a bit.

Since the last Bulletin our congregation was shaken when Rabbi Kaufman discovered that he needed bypass surgery. Of course we were all relieved that the procedure was successful and the Rabbi is fast on the road to recovery.  I suspect a year from now if I want to meet with Rabbi Kaufman I’ll have to be on my bike and ride along with him while he is running between miles 10-15.

The consensus among the past presidents was that each president has a crisis or unexpected situation during their term.  In my best Jerry Lewis voice, “Hello!”  Of course I wasn’t expecting mine to come within the first few months “on the job,” but it happens when it happens.  That said, I don’t know how I would have handled the situation without the patience and advice of our past presidents.  What a bunch of mentsches!

Here’s wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!

B’Shalom,
Bill Grund