Executive Board

Norm Solomon - President
Alison Myers - Executive VP
Honey Amado - VP Community Affairs
Debbie Isaacman - VP Development
Susan Bartholomew - VP Education
Lynn Rogo - VP Membership
Gail Solo - VP Personnel
Dale Joyner - Treasurer
Roberta Kass - Secretary

Board

Randy Schwab
Rich Baron
Kenneth Kotarski
Ronna Berlin
Kim Lee
Beth Braen
David Leichenger
Steve Fox
Roger McCracken
Sherry Garfield
Michael Goldstein
Beth Raanan
Mitchell Gross
Ivy Rappaport
Michelle Heller
Joel Rothman
Cory Schwab
Pam Hendry
Jill Smith
Jackie Kahn-Trauberman
Steven Jamieson

Board Spiritual Pledges

Adonai spoke to Moses, saying: Tell the Israelite people to bring Me gifts; you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart so moves him-And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them. [Exodus 25:1-8] Commentators find it interesting that verse 8 concludes "that I may dwell among them," when it would have made more sense for God to say "Make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell in it." The rabbis point out that the purpose of a sanctuary is not to be a house for God. God doesn't need a house in which to dwell. Rather, the purpose of the sanctuary is for God to dwell among people. Among us. When the Jewish philosopher Martin Buber was asked, "Where is God?" his profound answer was "God is found between people." Whenever we encounter one another, when we engage in true relationship, it is there that we find God. With strong relationships, and God dwelling among us, we become a kehillah kedoshah, sacred community.

We asked the leaders of Temple Isaiah, our board members, to imagine that God was speaking to them today. Imagine if God said to Moses, "Tell the Temple Isaiah board to bring Me gifts...and let them make Me a sanctuary-" What would you bring? Here are some of their gifts, their spiritual pledges, in honor of the New Year. We hope they will inspire you to think about your commitment to our sacred community as well.

Rich Baron: I am new to the Board of Directors this year, and I am thrilled to be apart of Temple Isaiah's wonderful spiritual community. When I think spirituality, I think of family, charity, community, and self-respect just to name a few things. Spirituality is what I strive for in my daily life. I have had a saying for many years that I have always had on my voicemails that states, "Have a Fantastic Day." I pledge for this Jewish New Year to always have the attitude that every day will be a Fantastic Day, full of new challenges and new ways to make changes that will make a difference in my life and the lives of others in a positive way. I realize my attitude does affect those around me. I hope everyone tries to keep a positive attitude and have a Fantastic Day. What a nice place our world would be! Also, what if we do what is on our plate today, not thinking about all the things and commitments we have to accomplish tomorrow. When I am with my children, I really try to "live in the moment" and not try to create my market list or talk endlessly on my cell phone. I realize my time is precious, and a moment's past will not come back again. On the same token, I pledge not to put off what I must do or say today. I want to be the most productive person that I can be spiritually, at any given moment. I want this new Jewish New Year to be my best year ever and our best year ever here at Temple Isaiah.

Susan Bartholomew: I am vice president of education for Temple Isaiah.  My responsibilities involve oversight of the Day Camp committee and the Preschool Cabinet, but my most important role by far is that of chair of the Religious Education committee, which primarily supervises the temple religious school. I bring with me substantial knowledge of secular education and a deep commitment to the health and welfare of the Temple Isaiah community.  My vision for religious education includes innovation, excellence and excitement. My children's experiences and my personal journey at Temple Isaiah largely define my knowledge of Jewish education.  However, I pledge to seek out and learn whatever I need and to use that with what I know, to work toward making our religious education program a model of excellence that enriches and extends our congregation of lifelong learners.

Ronna Berlin: As my youngest child begins her journey in the ECEC (Preschool), I am excited to begin a new journey for myself at Temple Isaiah.  Becoming a new member to the Board of Trustees, I hope to bring to our community my experiences as a temple member with a young family.  This most certainly will include the path I have chosen in my own involvement over the last eight years.  I'm very proud that as my family has grown with the temple, so has my involvement.  I hope to inspire our members that Temple Isaiah is a very welcoming community and all levels of involvement are encouraged and appreciated.  No volunteer position is ever too big or too small.  It takes all of us to build our community, and it is amazing to see what we accomplish.

Beth Braen: I sit in the passenger seat, my hand clutching the door, my foot on a phantom break petal as I calmly try to teach my teenage daughter to drive, she turns to me and says, "Have a little faith in me, Mom." As I think back on that moment, I realize that this simple request is my spiritual pledge to Temple Isaiah. I am willing to have faith in my fellow board members, clergy, staff, teachers, other members and myself because to me having faith in someone means being able to accept them as they are and in that acceptance can come compassion, patience and respect. It seems to me that if we are all made in God's image and each of us has a divine light within us then by having faith in each other we are also willing to have a little faith in God. If we are to become a sacred community, then what better pledge can we make to each other than, "to have a little faith?" I plan to spend this year finding the divine light in myself, my colleagues, my family and even the new teenage driver in my house. If we can see and acknowledge the light in each other, it will shine even brighter and lead us to an even stronger intertwined community.

Steve Fox:
To Help Make This A Better World. Not yet with my entire body, soul, and might do I pursue this, but my heart tells me that this is the ultimate commandment of our faith.
Optimism and Persistence. Witnessing the successes that flow from the passionate determination of a few sustains an optimism in me in the face of the daunting challenges facing our people and the world.
Gratitude. Thirty-nine years of involvement at Temple Isaiah has bestowed the gifts of a caring and purposeful community upon my family and me. I, in turn, feel obligated to provide the same for future generations.
To Encourage Sustainable Living.  We must not disturb nature's long established balances, must use less, and share more to leave a world that we would want our children and grandchildren to inhabit.
And, of course, the jazz services-

Michael Goldstein: I pledge to help insure that the Temple always acts in a way that reflects the unity of the spiritual and the political in Judaism. In these difficult times the words of Isaiah, our namesake, must always guide us: This is the fast I desire: To unlock fetters of wickedness, and untie the cords of the yoke To let the oppressed go free; To break off every yoke. It is to share your bread with the hungry, and to take the wretched poor into your home; when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to ignore your own kin. (Is 58:6-7)

Michelle Heller: "And he shall be like a tree that is planted by the waters, and by a stream spreading out its roots, which feels not when heat cometh, but its leaf remains green, and in a year of drought it is undisturbed by care, and does not cease from yielding fruit."  (Pirke Avot 3:17) I am like this tree with strong roots to the earth and the ability to withstand hardship.  A privilege it is to stand next to others who, also like trees, offer comfort and beauty to our world.  The goal to accomplish good deeds in and for our community that spread out from my learning is what I offer. - Michelle Heller

Debbie Isaacman: My spiritual pledge is, through study and discussion, to increase the awareness of my family and me to the meaning and values of Judaism and to reflect that increased awareness in our relationship with Temple Isaiah and the broader community this year and in the future.

Dale Joyner: As the Temple's treasurer, I have relied on seeking answers to financial issues concerning the Temple which occasionally meant research.  So in my research seeking guidance on what a spiritual pledge is, I found that guidance in the Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) - "the world stands on three things:  Torah (study), Avodah (prayer), and Gemilut Hasidim (acts of loving kindness)" I have found that our Friday Shabbat services to be a time of introspection and comfort (prayer pledge to continue observance of this weekly ritual).  And with the guidance of our esteemed clergy, Shabbat services have also achieved the study pledge with increased knowledge of Jewish rituals. But for me, the highest forms of a spiritual pledge are the acts of loving kindness.  As my family nears the 25-year mark being cancer-free and as a couple, I take great pride in my wife's support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as she marathons in their search for a cure.  Her activism in such a worthy cause has made my pledge for continued support of Temple Isaiah's efforts of Tikkum Olam (Repairing the World). L'Shana Tova.

Jackie Kahn-Trauberman: Hillel taught "Separate not thyself from the community". I believe we are all crucial to our Temple family and the function of the Temple as a community. This year, as over the last seven years that my family has been at Temple Isaiah, my sacred pledge will be to share, learn, and grow together. I have found my commitment has already been met by others who value our community. This year should bring us all many new and wonderful experiences, along with different and exciting transitions at Temple Isaiah. We are surrounded by a wealth of knowledgeable, interesting, and amazing people. Taking advantage of our extended Temple Isaiah family, and sharing all that we can with each other and our children, will allow us to grow and become richer in many ways.

David Leichinger: Judaism facilitates community.  Healthy, gratifying and productive community includes acknowledgement and appreciation among its members and honest openness to and consideration of and for each of our ways and views. Our very capable, caring, intelligent and thoughtful Temple community has been and will hopefully continue to be an active and helpful member and mover of the greater community in which we live. As we move into this New Year, may we each, individually, and as members of our Temple community, continue to know, acknowledge and appreciate each other with a view towards further strengthening our Temple community so that we will be even more of a positive and solidifying contributor within our larger community.

Roger McCracken: I pledge to assist our clergy as they continue to make Temple Isaiah a place where all feel welcome and sanctuary where God will dwell among us.

Sherry Garfield: As a temple member for nearly ten years, my relationship with our community has grown. This is due in part to the enriching environment that I have found at Isaiah. The high holidays allows me an opportunity to reflect on where I am now, and where I want to be. In that vein, I pledge to continue my involvement with the temple and our community at large, to foster meaningful relationships with those presently in my life, as well as those who I have yet to encounter; to continue my education and pass on my wisdom to my children; to expand my knowledge of Judaism and to do my part to improve our world. I am blessed to have found such a warm community at Isaiah, and pledge to continue my efforts to nourish our sacred community.

Ali Myers: In life, I live by these few words: BE GOOD and DO GOOD. To me "be good" is simple - be a good person, be mindful of others, be respectful and all the while squeeze in some time for yourself! To "do good" is more challenging.  It is easy to be satisfied with being good.  To reach outside oneself with goodness for something bigger is where the road gets more difficult-Rabbis teach that a person's deeds are like the roots of a tree and learning is like the branches, full of wisdom and knowledge.  Therefore, without service and deeds the roots of that tree aren't strong and could fall- we learn the more deeds that are done, the stronger we are rooted to earth and closer to GOD. Being apart of Temple Isaiah has helped me learn how to DO GOOD. My journey at TI started like many others, in preschool with my daughter and deepened as I began to experience life events.  When my son was born 2 months early, we spent a month in the hospital and the Temple Isaiah community gathered around us. We are part of something - there was an entire community out there praying for him, and praying for us-  I am who I am today because I have been touch by our sacred community.  I give of myself through Beyond Shelter, PPA, Green Team, and many other committees because it is my purpose to not only be good, but to do good. Hillel said it best: "If I am not for myself who will be for me and if I am only for myself, what am I?" My spiritual pledge is to commit myself and my family to our Sacred Community.

Beth Raanan: In Judaism, it is by our deeds that we are judged–not just by our beliefs. For me, this translates into a commitment to volunteerism.  It is really hard for me to be part of an organization without taking on some participatory or leadership role.  My experience is greatly enhanced by the relationships that I make and the deeper sense of community that I feel when I am involved.  I have found this to be especially true at Temple Isaiah.  The more I become involved, the more attached I feel and the more supported I feel by our community.  I strongly encourage others to get involved with something at the Temple.  One thing will lead to another and you will find you and your family's life changed in many wonderful ways.  I hope that through my involvement and leadership I will help get others involved and find their own special connection to the Temple Isaiah community.  This is my spiritual pledge.

Lynn Rogo: I am blessed to be the Membership Vice-President of Temple Isaiah.  My pledge has two very important, equally important parts.  I pledge to let the Jewish Community at large know what an incredible Congregation we have at Temple Isaiah and encourage individuals and families to join us.  I also pledge to reach out to all members of the Temple Isaiah Community and let them know how important they are to our Community as a whole.  Each member, as an individual, is important and it is my pledge to help them find the connection to Temple life which will be most fulfilling to them.  Temple Isaiah offers a banquet of opportunities: Shabbat Services, adult education, mitzvah opportunities, holiday celebrations, children's education, social activities, social action, committee involvement, and so much more.  It is my pledge to reach out and help each individual connect.  People join a Congregation because they are looking for something, but they stay in a congregation because they feel the Congregation needs them.  We need all our members; they all make up the whole that is Temple Isaiah. 

Joel Rothman: I have been Welcoming Sabbath by attending weekly Friday Night Services, since Rabbi Zoë Klein became Associate Rabbi. As an active Temple Isaiah Member, I pledge the following: To make our Sacred Community inviting and comfortable to all that come; to participate in the religious prayer services that combine traditional Hebrew with meaningful English translations; to feel the spirit of Kehillah Kedoshah, a Sacred Community, when I sing the powerful songs and prayers lead by Cantor Kent; to drink in the thoughtful stories, ideas, interpretations, and knowledge of Jewish Laws and Customs, spoken eloquently by our clergy; to pray for those in need of healing; to pray in remembrance, for those who have departed this Earth; to meditate on the meaning of my life, and how I can help to maintain the continuity of Temple Isaiah, our Jewish traditions, values, and purpose.

Cory Schwab: I-
Participate in many opportunities that are offered by Temple Isaiah (fundraising, classes, social gatherings, learning and more).
Lead by example.  I would like to believe that we teach our children by leading through goodness in volunteerism and participation.
Explore new dimensions of temple life and temple learning.
Delicately weave an intricate tapestry of temple threads that together, influence my life in so many ways.
Guided by our Torah, I am reminded of our Jewish history, connected with our past, creating the present, and providing for the future.
Enrich the relationships that have developed after more than a decade of temple life; my family, our temple family, our clergy, and our temple board.

Randy Schwab: It has been an honor to serve this amazing congregation in many capacities; from being a school parent to Temple President. We have accomplished much during my affiliation including exciting new programs for both youth and adults to the renovation of our physical structure. During the upcoming year, working with our inspiring clergy, dedicated trustees and numerous volunteers, we will examine the future of Temple life and strategically position our congregation at the forefront of Education, Social Action, and Innovative programming in the community. I pledge to commit myself to leading by example. To recognize that I stand on the shoulders of all of the Temple leaders that have come before me. To inspire those around me, and to encourage others to see Temple Isaiah as a Beit Tefillah, a house of prayer, a Beit Midrash, a house of study and Beit Knesset, a house of gathering.

Jill Smith: I am the chairperson of Temple Isaiah's one year old Ambassador Program.  This new program was designed and implemented to help our new members feel welcomed and part of the Isaiah family.  We accomplish this by assigning existing Temple members (who have gone through Ambassador training)  to personally reach out to and contact each new temple family.  In classical Jewish texts, the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim, the welcoming of guests, is ranked among the most important spiritual imperatives in Judaism.  It is my spiritual pledge to make this concept of hachnasat orchim, welcoming the stranger, part of the broader temple culture.  I encourage all temple members to embrace this concept and to consider being part of our Ambassador program.  These are the gifts I offer.  This is my spiritual pledge for the year. 

Gail Solo: As we come together during these holy days, united in prayer for our loved ones, our country, Israel, and our people, let us transform our thankfulness for our Temple family into good deeds. Let each of us devote our spirit and energies into making our community an even more special part of our lives.  There are limitless opportunities in our Temple to jump right in, and pursue a passion that brings more joy in your life, and benefits others.   Step up:  you are wanted and needed!  Reach out to the clergy and lay leaders, and join in making our vision for the 21st century come true.  May you and yours be blessed!

Norman Solomon: As we approach the New Year reflecting on our blessings, as well as the direction and purpose of our lives, I am grateful and excited by the growing collaborative relationship between our clergy and laity.  In fulfilling my sacred responsibilities I will endeavor to create opportunities for sharing our goals and visions for the future, and for fostering a welcoming and caring community that embraces personal reflection, study, and tzedakah.  I will be inviting and supportive of any member willing to become more involved in the future of our congregation.  I undertake my covenant of service with dedication, respect, and a listening heart, committed to building meaningful and supportive relationships, opening us to the possibilities of change as we deepen and transform our spiritual lives.