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Our Leadership

 A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Spring is here and that means I’m spending a good deal of my time at my boys’ baseball games. Driving Ethan to a game, I mentioned that I was thinking about what to write in my June Candlestick article. Having a one-track mind, he suggested baseball. I smiled, but realized he was only half joking. When I asked him what he meant, he said I should discuss the similarities between baseball and PBJC. Then he laughed. But I took him more seriously this time.

Thinking about it, baseball is made up of teams of heterogeneous players. Each player has his strengths. Whether it is pitching, throwing, or hitting, everyone contributes in some way. Each player’s level of interest and commitment varies. Some may practice every day. Some may skip practice altogether. Some have more experience than others. Regardless of the differences, all of the players are committed to the same end result.

Judaism has similarities to baseball. We are part of a synagogue made up of different types of members. Every person has their own strengths and contributes in a way that is meaningful to them. Some read Torah, others serve on committees that educate our children, and others serve members in need. In order to function, we need all these different personalities. As with baseball, the level of enthusiasm and interest is different for each member. For some, supporting the synagogue is important, although they may not participate as often as others. A growing number make up that core we need every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays for minyan. Still others donate their time, to committee work, event planning, or working with Sisterhood or Men’s Club. Everyone contributes in some way. All of us, different in so many ways, come together to make up the heterogeneous ‘team’ of PBJC.

Ethan and I continued to discuss this. Then he said “And synagogues are like baseball teams”. I said ‘Wait a minute. Are you saying synagogues compete with one other?”  We agreed not. In baseball, teams play against one another and this has fostered a long time love of America’s pastime. Similarly, but even more impressive, the existence of synagogues working toward the same common goal has helped to foster a connection and love of our religion. This has been the case for many more generations than have seen baseball and will continue far into the future.

There is one major difference in this baseball and Judaism story. Unlike the baseball season for the boys, which will end in early June, PBJC continues through the summer. The officers and trustees, as well as countless volunteers will work to plan and put into motion next year’s calendar. We will use the quiet of summer as an opportunity to hit the ground running in the fall.

This year has been more gratifying than I could have imagined. It has been a wonderful experience to work with the Board and Executive committee, as well as the many volunteers we are so fortunate to have. I want to thank Mitchell Goldstein for making himself available for Executive committee meetings. I am grateful to all the past presidents who have shown their support in so many ways. I would like to thank each individual who has contributed in some way this year, but the Candlestick editor would never allow me that much space. Whether on the board or not, everyone gave one-hundred and ten percent and made this year a huge success.

I am energized by the constant positive feedback about PBJC. Please continue to call me if you have a question, comment or suggestion. Allow me to help you make Pine Brook Jewish Center the place you want it to be.

I am available this summer. If you have ideas, ideas you would like to help execute, please call me. It’s summer, so give me a few days to get back to you.

Whatever you are doing over the next few months, I hope you enjoy it with those you love.

See you around town.

Randee Fox

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