PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – March 2022
This was the last meeting of the current board. I want to give a final thanks to this very dedicated group of people who helped make the direction of Congregation B’nai Israel (CBI) just and balanced. Incoming CBI Board President, Cheryl Gewing, reported that the newest member of our congregation is a hummingbird family who is nesting in a high floodlight outside our classrooms. One of the highlights of our year is the holiday of Purim. Thank you, Rabbi White, for the great virtual Purim service, which included stories, costumes and fun! We are still in need of a Parliamentarian since Mary Schwartz has stepped in to be our new Financial Secretary, sharing the duties with Micki Baker, our new 2nd Vice President. The Religious Education Committee (Micki Baker and Cheryl Gewing, co-chairs) focused on the C.H.A.I. garden. The students (including a new parent and her 11 year old child) spent 4 hours gardening on Sunday. They spread cardboard over the cleared ground as a weed deterrent; they do need more cardboard donations. Religious School Director Aitan Mizrahi spent several hours, himself, uprooting a stump. They will continue this project next Sunday, March 27th, beginning at 10:00 AM, and welcome additional volunteers. The Finance Committee (Dan Feinberg, Chair) showed a positive net income this month and for 8 months of this year. Members of our congregation donated nearly $1400 back to CBI for the face masks purchased by our Rabbi, from his Discretionary Fund. The Programs and Events Committee (Mary Schwartz, Chair) thanked those leading our continuing (virtual) programs, all of which are going well (Jewish Wisdom classes by Rabbi White, Adult Hebrew taught by Rachel Lessem, Bernie Goldberg & Ron Nathan’s Torah and Talmud study group, Gratitude Meet and Greet with Cheryl Gewing, Yoga Nidra led by Sarah Futterman-Devies, and the shul Book Club hosted by Mary Schwartz). Mary hopes some of the programs will meet in-person soon, and she discussed potential new classes on learning about Judaism. Our Membership Chair (Gail Lamkins, Chair) announced 61 dues-paying families; including honorary and life members, we have 69. The majority of our members come from Vallejo, with others coming from Benicia, Fairfield, Napa, and around CA & the US. Two new families are interested in membership. We will hear more news from Micki Baker as she takes over the role of Membership Chair. Micki remains head of the Sunshine Committee, which announced that updates on birthdays and anniversaries are now posted on the CBI website. The Ritual Committee (Cheryl and Martin Gewing, co-Chairs) advised us that we are going to require extra help in April to conduct services inside CBI. Martin usually handles the logistics of sound and cameras for the zoom contingent. However, Martin will be out of town on April 9 and 16, 2022. As for April 9, 2022, Rabbi White will lead services that day; we just need a member who can monitor the equipment. Saturday, April 16th is the first day of Pesach; virtual/in person Shabbat Services will not be held at CBI that day, but Rabbi White will lead us in a virtual Second Night Seder that evening. The Safety & Security Committee (Ron Nathan, Chair) transmitted the welcome news that new Covid cases in Solano County are under 50/week, but there are still many cases. We continue to require masks and vaccinations (with boosters) at CBI. Anyone who has not yet submitted their proof of vaccination/booster, must show their card at the door to join in person on Saturday mornings. Ron continues to advise being aware of our surroundings, at CBI and beyond. Next month’s CBI Board Meeting will be on April 11, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. Good-bye, all. CBI President Dorrin Rosenfeld (outgoing)
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