Page 2 - CKA December Bulletin 2017

The Prez Sez
Greetings! It’s already December and another secular year is about to be in the books. Where has it gone? Did we make good use of our time? While some of us are looking forward to the holidays, others are looking for somewhere sunny to go (that would include me).
Have you started thinking about New Year’s resolutions? What do you resolve to do, or do be er, next year? In my role as president, would you expect me to ask you to give more of your time or more of your money? Even though December could be the perfect time to get your tax return in order by ge ing rid of some excess stock or cash as a way of maximizing your charitable deductions and minimizing your taxable income, I’m not even going to suggest it. Nope. Not here. Not now.
Congregation-wide
This coming year, in order to serve you be er, the board intends to be more proactive across the spectrum. Because we appear to have most of the pieces in place to run our full service synagogue, we have been trying to focus a bit more on strategic planning. We have already red up the leadership commi ee (formerly known as the nominating commi ee) to start the search for a slate for next year’s annual meeting. Positions subject to a vote will include president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and one trustee position. Are you interested in a board position? Or would you rather serve on a commi ee? If so, let us know. You can even
suggest (or volunteer?) someone else.
At our last board meeting we discussed the on-going bylaws revisions (and I have already received some suggestions for possible changes). We plan to propose a change to the “immediate past president” position so we will always have that continuity on the board. We will also propose extending the term(s) for treasurer since that position requires more expertise. We will begin budget considerations for next year, and also start the discussion for running a positive budget (yes, that means we would plan on having a surplus rather than just breaking even). We did not raise dues this year but we should all plan on some increase next year. We will seek out new ways to energize our congregants, keep them abreast of important social issues, and continue to provide the services you all expect.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out. Best wishes for a happy December (holiday season).
Sincerely,
Larry H
For the last ve years,
CKA has read a book
together and then
joined in for a meal
and a discussion. At
the Books and Bagels
event held November 19, about thirty of us looked over the choices and had a good chat about the options. We decided we will all read Waking Lions, by Eyelet Gundar-Goshen. Barb Green, CKA’s librarian, will order a few copies so you can check one out. (Copies of the other three we reviewed are also available in the library if you’d like to read those as well!)
Please mark April 22 on your calendar. We’ll have a nice meal and discussion about this suspenseful and morally-challenging book. Many thanks to all who a ended and helped make the decision.
book group
Hanukkah sale
a big hit
Thanks to everyone who
shopped at Kol Ami’s
annual Hanukkah Sale.
Hanukkah items will continue to be available Sundays during religious school (12/3 and 12/10), daily when Sam is in the building, and during the Latke Fest on 12/17 (the sixth night of Hanukkah). Candles, gelt, dreidels, hanukkiot; gift wrap, bags and cards; and Hanukkah seasonal items like sing-along microphone, bead set, Rubik’s cube, socks, and games are available. We also have books, jewelry, and other Judaica.
Thanks to CKA artists Diane M, Rebecca K, and Susan M for being part of this year’s shop. Feel free to contact them if you would like to buy any of the items you saw, or that they can customize for you.
At any time during the year, if you nd items online that you’d like, please Sue M and we will promptly let you know if you can purchase the item through the Kol Ami Judaica shop (sales bene t Kol Ami Women of Reform Judaism).
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Kislev / Tevet 5778uDecember 2017