PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE March 2020

We are in a novel situation – Because of the 2020 pandemic, the coronavirus, we have changed the way we offer and participate in group activities at CBI. We’re seeing some activities cancelled, others postponed, and still others changed completely. However, we are developing new ways of doing our activities. As an example, we had our board meeting online (a first in my tenure here.) It was okay, but we’re going to be doing a great deal of stuff online for the next little while.  Practice makes perfect!
The religious education committee is searching for ways to help Fern with the pre-school as she has some health issues. Our monthly financial report reflects the costs of the handicapped bathroom, but we still have an overall positive balance. Our membership committee is still overseeing the new members which are slowly, but surely, joining us.
Our programs and Events Committee is currently active and busy. We have extended the position of interim educator to Yiskah Rosenfeld on a trial basis. We are giving her 3 months to help our synagogue grow and thrive via online classes, counseling, and service participation. Some bad news for this committee is the cancellation of the Passover Seder for this year. We still plan to have our auction, and several classes, though! A past event this March was our Purim party which was small, but a lot of fun. We had several children dressed up, and they had a great time.
The Buildings and Grounds Committee requested that we hire help for our hedge trimming. And we have assigned Ron Nathan to act as our property manager for issues of the rental house that require local action. The cemetery committee had a report from Carolyn Steinberg. She can be reached at 925-984-7916 for info about the 2 available plots.
The matters that required discussion included the Ritual Committee (which was reported by Martin who compiled member’s comments.) The major issue was carefully washing down the surfaces at CBI after community voting took place there and due to the coronavirus. Sue Barush has agreed to post hand washing signs in the bathrooms. The most important issue here was the cancellation of all activities at CBI for 2 weeks (and perhaps longer.)
Another issue concerned people of the board calling a few members over the next few weeks to make sure everyone is okay and not in need of basic help or services. Since the pandemic requires isolation, we want to be sure that separation is safe and as pleasant as possible. Gail Lamkins offered to pay for the Chamber of Commerce Logo for advertising purposes for our Synagogue. Finally the board is still attempting to pull all the desires of the individual committees into one comprehensive strategic plan for CBI.

B’nai Israel President
Dorrin B. Rosenfeld, DC
www.stateoftheartchiro.com

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