A Message from Our President: Meet the Greenbergs

I love summer. I love longer hours of daylight, weekends at farmers’ markets, driving with the windows down. This summer, I am particularly thrilled (and deeply honored) to step into the role of President of the Board of Trustees. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve, especially considering the remarkable leaders who have come before me, and who have left a lasting impact on our community. I am eager to embark on this journey of stewardship, guided by their examples and inspired by the potential for positive change and growth within our congregation.

My CBE story starts over two decades ago, when I first attended High Holy Day services with my now husband, Ron. As a newcomer to Albany and a Jew-by-choice, those initial experiences were profoundly impactful. Beth Emeth was and remains an impressive place to me – a place with a clear history, a sense of purpose and mission, and a welcoming congregation, where people went out of their way to say hello and learn my name. Little did I know, as I embarked on my conversion journey under the guidance of Rabbi Shpeen, that one day I would have the honor of serving as President of this esteemed institution, the fourth oldest Reform congregation in America!

I can trace my involvement at Beth Emeth directly to then-Program Director Debbie Sokoler, who saw two young professionals who wanted to be involved and found many ways to make that happen! Ron and I attended events and workshops, participated in Mitzvah Days, and as our family grew and we welcomed our children, Sasha and Sam, joined committees and became more involved in the religious school. This led to being elected a Trustee, and later an Officer, for the Beth Emeth Board. For my family and me, Beth Emeth isn’t just a place of worship; it’s where Ron and I found our closest friends and watched our kids grow and bond with others. My journey from newcomer to leader is a testament to the transformative power and welcoming spirit of Beth Emeth, a place I proudly call my spiritual home.

Preserving the rich history of Beth Emeth while simultaneously embracing our future holds significant importance for me. It is a particularly exciting time to be in this role, and I feel fortunate to be able to work with Rabbi Weitzman in shaping a lasting vision that will ensure Beth Emeth will thrive for generations to come.

I wish all of you an amazing summer, filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful moments shared together. I look forward to continuing to be involved in our community and deepening connections with each
of you.

Melissa Greenberg
CBE President

This article first appeared in the July/Aug '24 edition of The Bulletin.