3 minute read
President’s Message
Bob Spector
Shalom Chaverim,
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It is the 4th of July and I hope this summer season is being experienced with good health and is providing you many opportunities to spend quality time with friends and family. When I wrote my first six-month review last January it was 10 degrees during an 8-inch snowfall. Today it is 75 and sunny. Like this dramatic change in weather, my assessment of my second six months is much more optimistic. So here goes: A SIX-MONTH REVIEW: THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY, and the HORRIFIC.
Let’s start with the GOOD. After a temporary closure of our building in January, we re-opened and have remained open since then. Shabbat Kiddushim and many other community events such as Sisterhood, USY, Men’s Club, and Fundraising banquets have all returned since March. The high percentage of members who stay for our Kiddush lunches after Shabbat services points to how much our CBS community values being together socially. While new COVID-19 variants continue to infect our community members at a high rate (the BAD), our congregation has responded wonderfully to our masking and vaccination mandates (the GOOD) which has allowed us to keep our doors open and to provide us with a full complement of services, and educational and social opportunities.
I apologize for the abrupt shift in my message. It is now 11:00 Monday morning. I am stricken with grief as I have just learned what has occurred in our neighboring community. Several dead, many injured - HORRIFIC. Do I continue writing as if my world has not been drastically altered? I think not. This feels like a before and after moment in which our lives have been forever changed given the proximity of this tragedy. I mourn for the families who have lost loved ones. Have any members of our CBS community been injured? What can I do to help? Is it ok to feel relief that my family is ok? Why does this continue to happen? So many questions, and no answers. Moments ago, I was feeling reflective upon some of the challenges we face as a CBS community. Now, that pales with the absolute despair I now feel as a member of the broader North Shore community.
By the time you are reading this message several weeks have passed. Hopefully the terrorist has been apprehended and we have a greater understanding as to how such hatred and evil intent can exist in such a young person. I also know that this will change nothing for the victims. The terrorist attack of July 4th has forever changed the Highland Park community. It is yet another reminder that we can only guardedly take for granted our health and happiness. I know you share my prayers that these families most effected by this tragedy will find the strength to heal. As for our challenges at Congregation Beth Shalom, whether they be financial or health related, I have the utmost confidence that we will work together to find solutions so we can remain the caring, kind, vibrant, and welcoming community for decades to comenot only for ourselves but for our neighbors for whenever they may need us to be there for them. As one of your community leaders, it will be a continued privilege for me in year two as your President to be part of making us a stronger and better community.
L’Shalom,
Bob
