Schedule of Services October 3-4, 2008 Ner shel Shabbat: 6:14 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat: 6:15 p.m. Torah Portion: Vayelekh ~ Shabbat Shuvah Minhah: 6 p.m. Ma'ariv: 7:10 p.m. October 10-11, 2008 Ner shel Shabbat: 6:03 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat: 6:05 p.m. Torah Portion: Ha'Azinu Minhah: 5:25 p.m. Ma'ariv: 6:55 p.m. October 17-18, 2008 Ner shel Shabbat: 5:52 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat: 5:55 p.m. Torah Portion: Shabbat Hol Hamoed Sukkot Minhah: 5:15 p.m. Ma'ariv: 6:45 p.m. October 24-25, 2008 Ner shel Shabbat: 5:42 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat: 5:45 p.m. Torah Portion: Bereshit Minhah: 5:05 p.m. Ma'ariv: 6:35 p.m. October 31-November 1, 2008 Ner shel Shabbat: 5:33 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat: 5:35 p.m. Torah Portion: Noah Minhah: 5 p.m. Ma'ariv: 6:30 p.m. From Matthew Halpern, our new Director of Synagogue Life “What exactly is the Director of Synagogue Life?” If I had a nickel for every time I’ve been asked this question, I’d have a lot of nickels. But it is an important question, one that I continue to both ask and answer on a daily basis. And I hope to offer answers for you, as well, while uncovering more questions that will enable us both – yes, you and me, together – to impact the life of our synagogue. Before getting deep into the question at hand, I want to briefly step back and give you a quick snapshot of my background and how I arrived at this newly-created position. Most people at Congregation Beth Sholom know me as the Youth Director and USY adviser, working closely with some of our most important members to connect them to the energy and excitement that is Judaism and Jewish community. Some of the best times I’ve spent have been with our Kadimaniks and USYers. A smaller sect knew me without my Congregation Beth Sholom kipah. For eight years, I worked in the Marketing & Communications Department of United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ. It was an incredible opportunity to dive into Jewish organizational work, understand the needs and wants of members, and continue to develop my wide array of skills. I realized, though, that it was in the synagogue where I was most happy and most proud of my accomplishments, which led me to seeking out something full-time in the synagogue world. In a nutshell, that’s how I arrived here as your Director of Synagogue Life. But let’s go back to the original question, what exactly is the Director of Synagogue Life? There are multiple answers, and I’d like to share a few with you: The Director of Synagogue Life helps develop and grow membership: A synagogue offers so much to members and many people don’t realize the benefits. At the same time, a synagogue needs to be responsive to the changing needs of its membership and potential members, offering new opportunities for learning and engagement. My focus will be to make sure we meet the needs of our current members while opening our doors to those who are looking to be part of a vibrant, active Conservative Jewish community. The Director of Synagogue Life enhances communication: Congregation Beth Sholom shouldn’t be kept a secret. Effectively communicating with members, potential members, and the larger community is a key way to help our synagogue grow – the goal is to make sure everyone knows who we are and what we are all about. We will also maximize our outreach and public relations efforts while improving our quality member services, including how often and how well we communicate important information to you. The Director of Synagogue Life partners with volunteers and professionals: Synagogue Life thrives on the dedicated members and leaders who help everything run smoothly. I’m excited to work with our committees and programs to help them do even more than they realized and lead new committees as we embark on unique challenges, including how to fundraise in the 21st century and determining how a religious school fits into this synagogue community. I’m also very excited to partner with Rabbi Berger in this effort. His insight, background, and wealth of knowledge about this synagogue and our community will be invaluable to me, and to you. The Director of Synagogue Life supports new initiatives: Congregation Beth Sholom is known for being a leader and innovator in the Bergen County Jewish community and within the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. But even being a leader, we need to continually evaluate what we are doing and bring new elements into our community. Some of those include developing new social programs and establishing a new and modern website. The Director of Synagogue Life is a resource to you: Teaneck itself is a diverse Jewish community, made up of thousands of Jews from all types of backgrounds and affiliations. Our members are diverse themselves and look to their synagogue to meet a variety of social, family, and religious needs. Working together with each member, we will find ways for everyone to make Congregation Beth Sholom their home. These answers have been beneficial to me in terms of understanding how I fit into the bigger Congregation Beth Sholom picture, but it’s not a final document. Your input on how we can work together is valued and I look forward to building new and sustaining existing relationships in our community. I encourage you to contact me at matthew@cbsteaneck.org or in the synagogue office at (201) 833-2620. Wishing you a Shanah Tovah U’Metukah. Matt