“It is nice to see new faces …”

Looking back over the last year as president, I am proud of what we have accomplished. We finished up the remaining portion of the Homeland Security project to update our security systems and make the Temple less viable to an outside threat. If you walk around the temple, you will see changes both inside and outside. This project was recommended by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and they will be following up with an assessment of the changes we have made. They also mentioned in our meetings that they wished other congregations in Cedar Rapids would do similar projects. I also want to thank the project manager Jennifer Pruden for doing a masterful job of seeing this project through to a successful completion. I need to thank the TSB board for supporting this project.  

We also finished two other major projects this past year.

First, a new roof was put on the Temple. The last time the roof was replaced I was the House Chairman over 35 years ago. Thanks to Tony Smith for literally walking the breadth of the roof to make sure the job was done correctly.  We need to once again thank the TSB board for supporting this project.

Second, Solar panels were added to the roof to reduce our electric costs.  A big thank you needs to go to Robert Becker for finishing this project in one month (by the end of December) so we could be eligible for federal tax savings. We also need to thank the TSB board for stepping up and approving the funds quickly.

While I am thanking people, I would be amiss if I didn’t thank our Rabbi for continuing to be our faith leader. Hebrew school teachers, Religious School staff, Library staff, and numerous other committee members and active temple members who continue to help Temple Judah move forward and provide a safe environment for celebrating holidays, weekly prayer, and Jewish education. For those who have not been to a Friday night service lately, I encourage you to come and participate! Also, I would encourage you to come to a service in the Silber outdoor Sanctuary. What a peaceful and wonderful experience. I would like to also thank the current and incoming board members. It is a mitzvah to have you actively involved and share ideas for the benefit of Temple Judah.

As we wrap up the fiscal year here is a note to the congregation…please keep in mind the history of Temple Judah…how a reform and orthodox congregation combined to build one shul for the benefit of all Jewish people in Cedar Rapids. These leaders, some who have descendants still in our community, also had the foresight to look into the future and not only build the brick and mortar, but also set up and donate funds to provide a means of continuing the Jewish community in Cedar Rapids. As we now understand, these past leaders have provided a flame that still burns bright for the future of Temple Judah.

I should also note that the Temple Judah Trust Fund has increased substantially over the past years and recognition needs to go to the leaders of our community who have overseen this growth.  

One thing I always keep in the back of my mind as a member of Temple Judah is we are all one large family. We come together to celebrate wonderful occasions like Bat and Bar Mitzvahs, baby naming’s, conversions, high school graduations and marriages. But we also support those who are ill and sit shiva with our members who have lost loved ones.

It is nice to see new faces and families in Religious School and at services.

Please join the Temple Judah family and do your part and contribute to keeping the flame alive and burning bright. Don’t sit on the outside, looking in. Participate!!

Shalom.
Brian D. Cohen
President