Update from the Board

June 2010

Programs & Events

A lot of good stuff has happened at Or Shalom since our last update at Purim. We want to thank all those who made these programs and events happen especially Rabbi Laura whose leadership, involvement and enthusiasm is felt in all we do.

·      Gold party fundraiser

·      Passover Seder at Or Shalom

·      New siddur selection and launch celebration

·      Helen Waldstein Wilkes' book launch

·      New member Shabbat

·      Volunteer recognition Shabbat

·      Peace It Together film evening

·      Eco walk in Lighthouse Park led by Peter Ballin

·      Mt. Pleasant Neighbourhood House music evening event

·      Ruth and Shavuot: A Tantalizing Treat taught by Barbara Halparin

·      Tikkun Leyn Shavuot with teachings from Rabbi Yoni Gordis and discussion led by YAC

·      Annual retreat at Camp Hope with guest Rabbi Andrea Cohen-Keiner

Stay tuned to the DOAR Shalom for upcoming educational and spiritual opportunities.

Finances

On the administrative side, the board has been going through the budget development process for next year. We are focused on fundraising as our projected expenses exceed our current income.  We have a new Or Shalom committee called the Strategic Financial Planning Committee to work on long term fundraising strategies but we have a significant need to raise operating funds.

Staffing

There is news in the staffing department. We are delighted to announce that Lily Salja, office manager, is now a permanent staffer. We appreciate her top-notch teamwork with Reb Laura in running all aspects of the shul. We are now recruiting a part-time program director to enhance our children's Shabbat programs, help with communications and provide general program support. Barbara Halparin's contract has come to a close. She has done an outstanding job as education director. We thank her very much for her work at Or Shalom and we will continue to build on the existing strong foundation.

School

The b'nei mitzvah b'yachad class, is going strong. Reb Laura continues to support families in their Bar Mitzvah preparations and celebrations. Our Hebrew school enrollment for K-6 has been disappointing for the past few years despite the best efforts to recruit more children. We enhanced our curriculum and provided an excellent program with wonderful joyous Jewish experiences but unfortunately that was not enough. With heavy hearts the board made the difficult decision to not run the school for the 2010-2011 school year. During this year, we will try to invigorate the child, youth and family committee, determine our community's needs, and increase our Shabbat programming for children and youth. We want to thank the teachers Barb, Lily, and Hillary who put a lot of energy and passion into their work with the children and families.

Committees

The Or Shalom committees will give detailed updates of some of their own projects in future communications. Tikkun Olam, Security, Ritual, Membership, Gemilut Chesed, and YAC are just a few of the really active committees. As always, we need and welcome your participation in any aspect of the Or Shalom community. If you want to get involved, please contact the office or any board member.

Thank you,

Adele Ritch and Laura Rosenthal

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