Temple Beth Emet

A Message from the President . . .

Barry Klatzker

Shalom,

Berman, Ken Levin and I recently returned from the United Synagogue of Conser-
vative Judaism biennial Kallah (convention). The Kallah gave us a chance to meet oth-
ers from synagogues with the same demographics as our shul, and discuss how they
are handling the problems we are facing. Both cantors and rabbis from across the
country participated in discussions as well as services. We attended sessions about
everything from having greeters in the parking lot to different ways to use music dur-
ing services.

There we also had the opportunity to sit down with Rabbi Steven Wernick, the CEO
of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, one on one and were able to
share our thoughts with him on the direction our temple is heading. On the weekend
of January 6th through the 8th, we hosted Rabbi Wernick. He was our scholar in
residence and spoke on, among other topics, strategic planning of our own, as
well as the United Synagogue.

Following his talks on Sunday afternoon, we had our first Strategic Planning Fo-
cus group sessions. At that time each of us had an opportunity to express our
thoughts on the direction in which our Temple should head.

Another big weekend was the 13th through the of January. We were part of the
OC Community Scholar Program which will be bringing Clive Lawton to Orange
County for the month oflanuary. He is a senior consultant to Limmud, the interna-
tionally renowned adult education movement. ln addition, we will be pre-
senting our Aaron J. Tofield Lifetime Achievement Award on that Shabbat morning.

Be here or miss out.