New Year Message from the Board President

What does the secular New Year have to do with us?  We are Jews and our New year is in the fall. Yet still, January 1 gives us an unmistakable opportunity to slow down, reflect, maybe even a do-over where we missed the mark in fall.

Here at CKA, we’ve had a robust first six months of the new term.  Sometimes we don’t see all the moving parts that keep CKA the vibrant place that it is, and January gives us a great place to reflect mid-year.

Rabbi Dennis led in-person High Holy Day services expanding on the use of our new Machzor.  Lots of time and energy went into planning- a special shout-out to Mollie Marks as well as all the volunteer soloists coordinated by Casey Flancbaum.  It was an extraordinary effort that followed up with a focus group to discuss ways to further improve the HH Day experience. This group continues to meet regularly in preparation for 5783.

Thank you to Bob Lennard, Samson Flancbaum, Misty Deutsch, and the team of volunteer video technicians that enable our hybrid services. Our online presence is well beyond our size, once again proving us to be the little shul that could.

Rabbi led an extremely successful Introduction to Judaism class this fall, which he followed with additional classes for those interested in learning more about conversion.  

Tikkun Olam let by Melissa Trapani led a spectacular High Holy Day food drive that delivered loads and loads of much-needed food. More recently she organized a sock and underwear drive that delivered 1500 articles of clothing to help 3 nonprofits: Presbeterian Overnight Shelter in Fort Worth, Our Daily Bread in Denton, and Food not Bombs in Denton. But wait, there’s more! 

Any congregation’s school is the centerpiece of activities and CKA’s is no different.  Every Sunday our community kvells at our vibrant school.  Yasher Koach to Mrs. Casey and all our magnificent teachers who bring Judaism to life every week in meaningful and creative ways.

Efrem Silensky is directing the refurbishment of our playground.  Look for new borders and mulch to bring our playground back to its best.  We are working on a ten-year plan to keep our playground in tip-top shape for the next generation.

Past President Howie Watt chairs a newly formed ad hoc adult education committee that will build on the programming Rabbi Dennis. He and his committee hope to provide CKA with additional programming on a wide range of topics. Watch for great new learning opportunities in the coming months.

Your board and executive committee meet regularly and work through a myriad of challenges.  I value every participant’s time, but our community is specially strengthened by the commitment of EVP Stephen Ducar, Treasurer Becky Lennard, and Secretary Michelle Tell.  We meet regularly to handle a vast array of administrative topics including our COVID protocols.   

There’s so much more.  We have an active Sisterhood, great affinity groups, and committees watching out for our community, our security, and our cemetery.  There are SO many ways to get involved! 

As we start the secular new year full of hope and opportunities, we will continue to reach out to Jews in our area to grow our community and add to our financial stability. We will do this with great services led by our own Rabbi Dennis, reinvigorated programming for youth and adults alike, and continuing to be the friendliest shul in Denton County. 

Onward and upward,

Paul Dietz
Congregation Kol Ami Board President