Dear Friends,
It's always bittersweet to say goodbye to people who have meant so much to our shul.
Beth Sholom has been blessed with many wonderful staff people over the years. Today marks Penina's last day of work, and I want to share a few thoughts about all that she's done for us.
When the board made a decision to hire a full-time Director of Congregational Learning a few years ago, we were looking for someone to reenergize our Hebrew school and youth programming. We knew we needed an out-of-the-box, creative thinker who could guide us into deeper relationships with all of our learners, from our young families to our seniors and everyone in-between. Penina has done that, and much more.
A few highlights of Penina's work:
Penina revamped our B'nai Mitzvah process, rewriting our Bar/Bat Mitzvah manual, and streamlining the process so all of our parents, tutors, staff, and B'nai Mitzvah knew what to expect.
Penina brought an energy to Monthly Mishpacha groups, and created all sorts of Shabbat and Holiday programming for our children.
Penina heard from our parents that Hebrew school would be better on Shabbat morning instead of Sunday, and Shabbat School was launched.
Penina launched our Omer Challenge, with a wide variety of programs which appeal to young and old, and which will continue this year, since Penina has already lined up most of the programming.
Penina got us into a teen Jewish mock trial program - we became one of the first non-day school groups to take part last year, and I'm again studying with our teens and we'll be heading to Houston in a few weeks to take part.
Penina invited our children to be part of a Purim theater production - last year's was fabulous, and I can't wait for this years.
From Junior Congregation to Camp Kabbalat Shabbat Shalom to Midtown programs to Beit Teshuvah's Freedom Song to creative programs of all kinds to flyers and our Israel series to helping out in the kitchen and answering phones and doing anything that was needed, Penina has added a level of creativity to our programming, from which we have all benefited.
I hope all of you come to shul tomorrow morning (Starbucks Shabbat begins at 9 am) both to learn from our visiting rabbinic candidate, and to bid Penina a fond farewell as she sets off for Philadelphia.
Penina, we thank you for all you have taught us, for caring for our children and elders, for helping us make Beth Sholom an even more vibrant synagogue for kids and adults of all ages. We wish you only the best going forward, Thank you for all you've given us over the years.
Of course, we're hoping whoever takes the job next will somehow be able to follow in Penina's footsteps. They certainly have big shoes to follow...
Who do you know who might be Beth Sholom's next Director of Congregational Learning and Programming?
Please send them the job description, which can be found at:
https://jewishjobs.com/jobs/view/41978
I'm heading to Maryland for a wonderful weekend of learning and singing organized by the National Havurah Institute.Of course, Sherri will be there, as will a number of good friends, and I hope to see my siblings as well. After a difficult few weeks with too much sadness and mourning, I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend with friends and loved ones.
In case of emergency, please reach out by calling the pastoral number. Otherwise, feel free to email me or leave a message at shul and I'll respond as soon as I'm able. I'll be back in the office Tuesday afternoon.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Ilan
