The ECE-RJ Board gathered in Cleveland, Ohio in June for our Annual Summer Board Meeting.
One of the highlights was discussions with two focus groups, made up of local directors and teachers and organized by the VP of Membership (Lisa Samick). Through these focus groups, we were able to gain knowledge as to how ECE-RJ can better serve you, our members.
We plan to host more regional focus groups around the country – keep an eye out for more information about conversations in your area. Many thanks to the directors and teachers from Temple Emanu-El, (Orange Village, OH), Fairmount Temple Early Childhood Center (Beachwood, OH), The West Temple (Cleveland, OH), and The Temple – Tifereth Israel (Beachwood, OH) for their honesty and openness in helping us learn.
Along with the focus groups, the board discussed several topics including ideas on innovative learning opportunities from the VP of Learning (Shelly Sender); the January 2019 conference in San Antonio from the VP of Conferences and Biennial (April Schafer), and updates on the Congregational Excellence Think Tank work by URJ liaison (Cathy Rolland) and myself.
New Board Members
During the meeting, I was proud to be installed as ECE-RJ’s President. I would like to wish a mazel tov to the following Board members who were also installed: Fern Katz- First Vice-President, April Schafer- Vice President of Conferences and Biennials, Amy Damast- Vice President of Communication and Jennie Rubin- Immediate Past President.
A big thank you to Heidi Baker (who will now serve on the Advisory Council) for her many years of service to ECE-RJ! I also want to thank my family, teachers, Clergy, friends and community colleagues for attending the ceremony. Jennie Rubin worked closely with Rabbi Stacy Schlein and Erica Wilkov to make the installation so beautiful, thank you all for your hard work.
Attended URJ Meeting
At the beginning of June, Tricia Ginis, ECE-RJ’s Executive Director, and I had the honor of attending the URJ North American Board meeting in Austin, Texas. During the meeting, the Board voted and welcomed Temple Israel from Valparaiso, Indiana into the URJ. There were many amazing speakers and learning opportunities. We heard from Evan Traylor, Associate Director of College Engagement regarding their work engaging with Reform Jewish college students and Hillel. Rabbi Jonah Pesner spoke about Reform Action Center’s (RAC) Civic Action Campaign.
L’Shalom,
Lori Kowit
President
lkowit@ttti.org
