It has been exactly one year since I began my tenure as JCOGS President and exactly one year since my first communique as President. I introduced myself and acknowledged that I had not met many of you as a result of the pandemic. As you know we have been on and off between Zoom only and hybrid events for the last year. I have met and spoken with many of you and you have read my letters to the JCOGS community and listened to me speak at the annual meeting and my Kol Nidre address. As JCOGS and the world begin to move out of the pandemic (G-d willing) and as we resume a more normal existence, I truly look forward to meeting and greeting all of you.
I have picked one goal for the next year and beyond of my Presidency - GROWTH. What an all encompassing goal. From an organizational viewpoint that would mean more members and increased financial support. It is the responsibility of the JCOGS Board and myself to foster growth - to attract new members and to engage current members. There are three ways to that end. The Rabbi, programming, and education - particularly of our youth. We are so blessed to have Rabbi David - never complacent in anything he does - always looking for and introducing new ideas, initiatives, programs and (to my chagrin) new melodies. JCOGS must offer programming that appeals to all members. The Board will be reaching out to all of you to find out what you would like to offer such that each and every one of you wants to be more involved with JCOGS.
Last but certainly not least is the education of our youth. JCOGS has a dynamic educational program for our youth - our future. Our program continues to grow and with this is the need for increased financial aid. The young families that take part in our educational offerings are those who make this area their primary and sole residence. Most have two working parents and as we all know living and raising a family in this area particulary is quite costly.
This year's March Appeal, as was last year's, is to fund the financial aid line on the educational programs budget. Last year a very generous donor matched 2:1 the community's donations resulting in a total of $16000 dollar. This year we do not have that generous donor but the financial aid line remains - $10,000 dollars.
We need that financial aid money, because more families than ever are struggling this year and more families than ever are engaging with JCOGS. It’s critical that we continue to make JCOGS membership and our school accessible to every family, even those who cannot pay the full amount. Please give generously so we can grow our educational program for our future - our children.
I remain extremely grateful for the support you, the JCOGS community, have given to the JCOGS board and myself this past year. Please dig deeper in your time, involvement, and treasure in helping us GROW.
