July, 2008

Dear Members: It is with a great sense of humility and gratitude that I write this column in my capacity as your newly-appointed President of the congregation. In order to keep you continuously updated and informed on current issues and new initiatives affecting the congregation, it is my hope to communicate regularly through this bulletin. I hope that you will find my comments to be informative and interesting. In embarking on this new role for me within our congregation, I am, first and foremost, thankful to all of you who have supported and encouraged me over the years: fellow congregants; members of the k’lei kodesh (clergy) and administrative personnel; friends and associates; fellow Board members.

Above all, I am grateful to the upbringing provided to me by my dear parents, Aaron (zich’rono liv’racha ) and Beverley. They have always guided and taught me, and instilled in me the beauty and wealth of our tremendous heritage and traditions. Finally, I am thankful to G-d for having blessed me with good health and vigour that will enable me to continue serving the needs of our congregation.  

We have completed a difficult and challenging couple of years within our congregation. I wish to express my appreciation to our immediate past-President, Shep Gangbar, for his fortitude and steadfastness in meeting those challenges. At all times, Shep had the best interests of this congregation at the forefront of his considerations.

As dawn welcomes every day, so, too, am I hopeful that we will now witness a new dawn on the horizon that will usher in peace and harmony, dynamic and engaging programs, rejuvenation and growth, unity and cohesiveness. One of the tragedies in having had to confront many of the obstacles that were unexpectedly placed in our path over the last couple of years is that we were prevented from moving forward. I am confident that, with your assistance and support, this will now change.

A leader ought to have vision and goals for the future. I hope to share with you, in the days ahead, some of my vision and goals for the future of our congregation. At the same time, I hope that you will consider what your vision and goals are for our shul and that you will take the time to share them with me. I hope, as well, that we will provide greater opportunities for cross-congregation dialogue and discussion so that there will be a venue for you to share your thoughts with fellow members of the congregation.

I look forward to continuing to serve the needs of our congregation and its members. Should you have any questions or comments at any time, I invite you to please leave a phone message for me at the synagogue, (416) 781-3514 ext. 260, and I will try my best to respond to you as quickly as possible.

My best wishes to all of you.

Howard S. Black, President