FROM THE CONGREGATION PRESIDENT Bob Spector
Shalom Chaverim,
Ahhhhh, spring is here which means we have just finished joyously celebrating Purim and Passover is just around the corner, two holidays that represent our ancestors’ strength to conquer their fears caused by oppression and tyranny securing our future as a Jewish people. A world without the COVID virus is not likely, but staying connected to family, friends, and community can mitigate our anxieties and fears. Our strength to survive for 5782 years comes from our belief in the power of our connection to our faith and the Jewish community. I have come to realize that there are two environments that melt away my unpleasant feelings: my home and CBS. While I rationally know that neither can offer me full invulnerability, it sure beats the feelings of insecurity I often feel outside of my two homes. I would like to share two recent events that have strengthened my resolve to stay strong and hopeful, and not to be ruled by the unknown. I just saw the musical Come From Away. If you are not familiar with this true story, it is about the small town of Gander, Newfoundland whose citizens cared for over 7000 passengers who were on 38 airplanes that were diverted to the Gander airport from the U.S. immediately after the 911 attacks. The town had a minimal government infrastructure to handle such a crisis. Yet, by collaboratively coming together as a community they welcomed, embraced, and cared for these 7000 scared strangers. It is an inspiring story that exemplifies the power of kindness and the strength of a group of people who felt empowered based on the relationships they had with each other. The second event occurred right here at CBS. I had the privilege of being a member of our most recent Rabbi Search committee. I believe all of us on that committee would agree that it was a very special and perhaps profound experience. Many of us did not know each other prior to the formation of the committee. We were a very demographically diverse group by age (30 year spread), career, and family status (from grandparents to parents with young children). During an eight-week period we easily worked 50-100 hours, carrying the weight and expectations of our community to find the best possible Rabbi for CBS. We started off as a group of individuals and we ended as a cohesive group. Several members have commented to me that serving on this committee has been a highlight of their CBS membership. How could this be? Too many hours, too many late-night meetings, and too much stress and pressure - yet with our goal achieved the end was met with both the joy of success and the sadness of our group being disbanded. What made this experience so special was more than the importance of our singular mission. What we had in common with the town of Gander and their ability to welcome their uninvited guests was that we took the time to get to know each other by sharing our stories and our values. Once that happened, our demographic differences became irrelevant. Relational Judaism 101 my friends. The power of community and our connectedness to it, can provide incredible strength during times that pull at our fears, worries, and insecurities. We have a social structure in place through our YACHAD Affinity Groups program to bring people together through their common interests. But we also have many committees at CBS that are also opportunities to get involved and to get to know your fellow members. You do not have to be on the Board of Trustees to join most of these committees. For those of you who chair these committees, I ask that you take a few minutes from the demands of the work to provide our members the chance to truly get to know each other. The more connected we are as a community the stronger we are to take on any challenges we face both individually and collectively. L'Shalom, Bob APRIL 2022• VOLUME 100 ISSUE 70
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