CBE President: A Legacy of Leadership, A Future of Promise

This article first appeared in our May/Jun '25 edition of The Bulletin

In April, our Board continued a long tradition of electing officers to guide us into the next chapter of our journey.

I am proud to pass the baton to Robin Sobol, who will serve as President of the Congregation Beth Emeth Board of Trustees for the 2025–2026 year. Robin brings a wealth of leadership experience from both Beth Emeth and the broader Jewish community, and I am deeply excited to support her as she steps into this pivotal role. As I transition from my Presidency, following 11 years of service on the Board, I reflect on the remarkable changes and milestones we have witnessed together.

Over these years, our congregation has navigated profound transformations, celebrating joyous milestones, and persevering through challenging moments. We marked the retirement of our Rabbi Emeritus, Scott Shpeen, mourned the loss of Cantor Jodi Schechtman, and welcomed Cantor Sharon Kohn as our Interim Cantor, bidding her a heartfelt farewell after three years of dedicated service. Through the diligent efforts of our search committees, we were blessed to welcome Rabbi Greg Weitzman as Senior Rabbi and Cantor Emily Short, whose vision and energy have enhanced our community.

We faced the trials of a global pandemic, adapting with resilience and creativity to foster spiritual connection and mutual support. We have mourned attacks on our broader community, said goodbye to valued staff as they embarked on new paths, and warmly welcomed Gary Fifer as interim Executive Director of Beth Emeth. Yet through all this change, one constant has remained unwavering: our embrace of Reform Jewish values and our commitment to being a spiritual home where all are welcomed, supported, and inspired - to Connect, Belong, and Engage.

This October, I spoke from the bima about challenges ahead, including aging infrastructure - a reality faced by many North American Jewish congregations. But I also celebrated our unique strength: a robust, engaged membership that continues to grow by welcoming people and families of all ages and backgrounds. The rich diversity within our community is our foundation, enabling us not merely to endure change, but to thrive by embracing opportunities for growth, introspection, and collaboration. Together, we have built a congregation where every voice is heard and valued, shaping a future that reflects the needs and aspirations of our members.

As we conclude 2024–2025 and turn toward the coming year, I extend my heartfelt wishes to our future leaders, our Board, and our congregation: may we continue to embrace challenges with courage and vision. Drawing on the deep well of experience, leadership, and tradition at Beth Emeth, and guided by our Reform Jewish values, I am confident we will chart a path forward that ensures our continued vitality as a leading Reform congregation in the United States and beyond. Rabbi Weitzman’s visionary leadership brings great excitement for what lies ahead, and I know that deliberate and thoughtful planning will safeguard the integrity of our physical space for generations to come.

I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering support and partnership of our Board, past leaders, clergy, and each member of our community. Your dedication has inspired and guided me during my tenure, and I thank you all with deep appreciation. Together, we look forward to a future bright with promise, purpose, and connection.