As we close out 2014 and begin 2015, many of us will be thinking about the past year's events. We think about our accomplishments, as well as those of our family members and friends. We think of some special moments that made us particularly happy or proud. And we think of memorable events which occurred in our community, our nation, and the world.
With regard to our nation and around the world, I can remember a few events that will stand out for me as particularly important or historical. The year started with the Sochi Olympics. A Malaysia Air plane disappeared with 200 passengers. A new terror group called ISIS emerged as the threat in the Middle East. 2014 was a particularly difficult year in Israel, with a variety of incidents and military clashes with Hamas, both in Gaza and within its own borders. An airplane was shot down over Ukraine with 298 passengers on board. A European spacecraft landed on a comet. And, most recently, the US has had a breakthrough in relations with Cuba.
On a more personal level, one reason this year was important to me is because it's the year I was selected to be the Temple Beth Ami president. And, as president, I've seen the dedicated and selfless work of many congregants. I want to personally thank all those who have committed their time and effort for the benefit of our synagogue community. All of the TBA Board members, members of the Men's Club and Sisterhood, and the many members who have made generous donations of both money and time throughout the year and/or assisted with any of our TBA events.
I also want to give special recognition to a few of our members who truly go above and beyond. Rick Kaufman and Jonathan Singerman were recently honored as the Pasha Award winners. They are non-Board members who have done outstanding service for TBA. The Stulman family was honored at the Rabbi's Vodka/Latka event as the Volunteer Family of the Year. And, of course, the Watson's must be recognized for the Matching Donations Campaign. All of these individuals and families demonstrate the attributes we need every member to aspire to. They give their wisdom, they give their work, and they give their wealth. And Temple Beth Ami would have a hard time surviving without them.
Perhaps, you will join me in making a New Year's resolution to be as generous with wisdom, work, and wealth as those mentioned in this article. And, if you follow through on this resolution, I promise you that 2015 will a wonderful year for you and those around you. Happy New Year!
With regard to our nation and around the world, I can remember a few events that will stand out for me as particularly important or historical. The year started with the Sochi Olympics. A Malaysia Air plane disappeared with 200 passengers. A new terror group called ISIS emerged as the threat in the Middle East. 2014 was a particularly difficult year in Israel, with a variety of incidents and military clashes with Hamas, both in Gaza and within its own borders. An airplane was shot down over Ukraine with 298 passengers on board. A European spacecraft landed on a comet. And, most recently, the US has had a breakthrough in relations with Cuba.
On a more personal level, one reason this year was important to me is because it's the year I was selected to be the Temple Beth Ami president. And, as president, I've seen the dedicated and selfless work of many congregants. I want to personally thank all those who have committed their time and effort for the benefit of our synagogue community. All of the TBA Board members, members of the Men's Club and Sisterhood, and the many members who have made generous donations of both money and time throughout the year and/or assisted with any of our TBA events.
I also want to give special recognition to a few of our members who truly go above and beyond. Rick Kaufman and Jonathan Singerman were recently honored as the Pasha Award winners. They are non-Board members who have done outstanding service for TBA. The Stulman family was honored at the Rabbi's Vodka/Latka event as the Volunteer Family of the Year. And, of course, the Watson's must be recognized for the Matching Donations Campaign. All of these individuals and families demonstrate the attributes we need every member to aspire to. They give their wisdom, they give their work, and they give their wealth. And Temple Beth Ami would have a hard time surviving without them.
Perhaps, you will join me in making a New Year's resolution to be as generous with wisdom, work, and wealth as those mentioned in this article. And, if you follow through on this resolution, I promise you that 2015 will a wonderful year for you and those around you. Happy New Year!
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