From the President

Looking to our future….excerpts from the President's speech at Beth David's annual meeting on May 23, 2010:

The saying “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” can certainly be used to describe the many pieces that make up Beth David Synagogue. The past year has brought many successful moments, but has also presented challenges. In November the board accepted the resignation of our executive director. However, with the amazing work and effort of both Lucy Smith and Susan Feldman sharing the management responsibilities on an interim basis, the day to day running of Beth David has not only continued, but improved with their ongoing efforts to organize and streamline operations.

Without the rest of our dedicated staff including Steve Schub, Donna Norris, Kathy Clontz, Joy Thomas and Miriam Maaravi, many of the things we take for granted at Beth David would simply not be possible. Rabbi Havivi, Philip Silver, Beth Socol and Boaz Avraham- Katz complete the pieces of this organization that give it spiritual sustenance and purpose on a daily basis. We all benefit tremendously from each of these individual's contributions.

There is also our strong base of volunteers who are like the glue that holds it all together…in the kitchen, leading services, heading up our fundraisers, helping in the office, the list goes on. To our talented staff and volunteers, I extend my heartfelt thanks.

I believe Beth David is at a crossroads, a tipping point that will either propel us into a future built on a more sound and solid foundation or keep us at a status quo. Four years ago we came to the realization that we were in debt. We had been spending money we did not have. With the efforts of both of my immediate predecessors, Josef Silverman and Susan Nehmen, we changed course and solicited special large contributions to retire this past debt. Without these special funds we find ourselves, albeit not nearly to the degree of past years, in the same cycle of playing catch up and hoping to meet our budgetary needs. In order to present a balanced budget this coming year, we have had to forgo the inclusion of funding for an Executive Director. This decision reflects a choice, not an easy choice, but when you think about it, the only choice to take, the prudent path to fiscal responsibility.

Currently we are facing a fiscal year 2009/2010 deficit of around $25,000. A couple of weeks ago we launched a final fund raising effort for the year in the form of the “Stay at Home Gala”. We still have 4 weeks before our year ends and we hope you will help us by participating. If we can find success with this final fund raiser we will be able to remain debt free going into the 2010/2011 fiscal year.

Unfortunately, that does not address our needs moving forward. In an effort to assure that BD remains strong, the Board of Trustees and many of our past Board Presidents have authorized initiating an endowment of a minimum amount of $4,000,000 to generate annual income that will not only provide the money for rehiring an Executive Director, but also allow for supplementing the budgetary needs of a growing, thriving Beth David. This monumental effort of raising an endowment is being chaired by Mike Berkelhammer and Kenny Miller. They have already received commitments for ¼ of our goal and I believe very strongly that they can reach the finish line.

As I stated earlier, we can either move into the future becoming a professional, high quality organization or we can remain stagnant. Beth David is currently positioned for growth. I believe we are now in the best place we have ever been to bring in a qualified professional with strengths in development, management and a view for the future.

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts and you are all part of what makes BD whole. I challenge you to join me in embracing this opportunity by making a commitment to Beth David. Give your money, give your time, give your ideas, and give your support.

Thank you,

Marc Samet

President

Beth David Board