My involvement at Beth Zion started first as a member and after attending daily morning services while saying Kaddish for my younger brother Bobby. I was asked to help out with the Minyanaires Breakfast then came the Golf Tournaments, Board of Directors, Officer, Chairman of the Executive, co-chair of the Cantorial Concert and now President.
I take great pride in becoming President and look forward to continuing the hard work of my predeccesors. Beth Zion has so much to offer our members and I hope that this year’s High Holiday Services will be an eventful time for all to enjoy and come together.
Since joining the Beth Zion in 1972, I have always been in awe of our beautiful Main Sanctuary. I remember vividly coming to Shul with my late Father-in-law Harry Cohen, an ex Board Member and Founder known as “Cohen the Levy”. These were special times as he would introduce his newly married son-in-law with great pride to all of his cronies. We would sit together and we shared great moments as best friends. His great respect for his Family, friends and congregants served as a true inspiration. There was never a day where he didn’t introduce me to somebody in Shul-the problem is that most are now all gone. I miss those moments and I miss all of these people who have since passed on. These were the people who built Beth Zion’s foundation and passed on their great leadership skills and dedication to the next generations.
Of special mention is the recent great loss of our Chazzan Holczer-the Cantor of Beth Zion for over 40 years. We all share in this loss of our beloved Cantor who prepared most of our children for their Bar-Mitzvahs. Cantor Holczer will be remembered as a great music lover and a true Mensch.
There are many interesting programs and events that take place throughout the year and Holiday times. These are geared for members of all ages. I encourage you to attend and in so doing help our Beth Zion family grow and flourish. Over the past year there have been many special events culminating with our Cantorial Concert which was a tremendous success as witnessed by over 650 people who were singing and applauding all evening. I would be remiss not to thank our most generous Sponsors who helped make this Concert a reality.
I look forward to speaking and meeting with you as your input is important for our future to be bright. We have many challenges to face today and that is why it is so important for you to get involved so that our Synagogue will continue to thrive. We must embrace a brighter future, a future where we can come together to pray, study and make new friendships. We must look to the future to have a vision for Beth Zion, and strive to keep this vision alive.
I would like to thank all those who contribute so much to make Beth Zion tick. From members leining, to organizing Shabbat Services, hospital visits, organizing events and programs for holidays, committee members, Gabboim, fund raising, Board Members and Officers. A special thank you is given to our dedicated office staff under the guidance of Eileen Rabinovitch who work tirelessly in ensuring all needs of members are met. Our dedicated Rabbi Boruch Perton and Rabbi Emeritus Sidney Shoham are busy preparing their classes and lectures to further enrich Beth Zion members.
Beth Zion is more than just a Synagogue. It is a community center where where you can meet and become friends with some wonderful people. It is a place that you can call a second home a place to daven, learn, party, celebrate, partake in holiday traditions and much more. Help us by joining in and becoming a Beth Zion family member. To coin a major credit card company “membership has its rewards” and there is no greater satisfaction than becoming active and participating at Beth Zion.
As we approach the High Holidays, I always like to reflect on the past year and what has been accomplished and what still needs to be accomplished. It is a meaningful time of the year as we plan to spend quality time with family in Shul and at get togethers at home. Rosh Hashana is a two day celebration marking the beginning of Tishrei, and the first month of the Jewish calendar.
On behalf of my wife Carole, my children Jen, Jay and Randi, grandchildren Jordan and Brooke, Officers and Board, I would like to wish you and yours a healthy, peaceful, and Happy New Year. May we hope for a year of peace in Israel and throughout the world.
Shana Tova U’Metuka
Ricky Steinberg, President
