In this week’s Parsha – Emor – we read about how our ancestors observed the cycle of the Jewish year. In Leviticus 23, the holidays are referred to as mo’adim – appointed times – whereas, in a similar review of the festivals in Deuteronomy 16, the holidays are referred to as haggim – meaning celebrations. According to Rashi, Leviticus – with its concern for proper ritual observance – uses the word mo’ed to emphasize the importance of observing these sacred occasions at their precise time on the lunar calendar.
Whereas haggim (celebrations) have a sense of expansive exuberance, mo’adim are discrete periods of time, defined by a beginning and an end. Our holidays are both expressions of joy and gratitude, as well as solemn moments that recognize the cyclical nature of time and the experience of changing seasons.
Communities also go through mo’adim, cycles of beginnings and conclusions. Healthy organizations like ours welcome new staff and volunteers, giving them the support they need to succeed and thrive for however long they are with the organization. And when it is time to say goodbye, we help ease transitions with grace and gratitude. “There is a time and season for everything,” says Ecclesiastes (3:1), and this continues to be a season of change for HEA. With this in mind, we want to share with you the transitions happening this month at HEA.
Executive Director Search
The Executive Director Search Committee – chaired by Stephanie Geller and Beth Toth – is currently conducting reviews of applicants to identify our most viable candidates. As we begin interviews, there will be ample opportunities for community members and staff to participate in the selection process. In the interim, Rabbi Gruenwald and Rabbi Shulman have taken on staff and programmatic management, while financial matters will be assumed by a newly-created position of Finance Director.
Finance Director
We are pleased to announce that Caryn Osterman will assume the permanent position of HEA’s Finance Director after having filled the post in an interim role for the last several months. Caryn brings a wealth of experience in non-profit operations and financial management. If you have questions about membership, billing, or dues, please get in touch with Caryn
Director of Congregational Engagement
After 13 years of service to our community, Shira Teed will be stepping down from her position as Director of Congregational Engagement on May 19 to pursue other professional opportunities and spend more time with her family. Since joining our staff in 2012, Shira has held several roles, most recently as Director of Congregational Engagement, helping to cultivate small groups, welcome new families, forge meaningful relationships with and between our members, and oversee programs and events. We are incredibly grateful to Shira for her dedication to our community, and we look forward to seeing her and her family at shul as members. Please join us in wishing Shira well as she makes this transition. You are welcome to email Shira.
Musical Director
We are thrilled to announce that our board of directors has reached a 3-year contract agreement with Eitan Kantor to continue as our Musical Director. Eitan has accomplished a great deal in his first year in the role. He has introduced new music to all our worship services, enhanced musical education in the religious school and preschool, started choirs and musical groups, trained new service leaders, staffs the Warm & Welcoming Initiative, and has contributed in countless ways to all our programs and events. We look forward to growing our musical offerings with Eitan and supporting him in the years ahead in his professional development. You can share your good wishes with Eitan.
Ritual Coordinator
We wish Mallory Bustow and her husband Aaron blessings for joy and wellbeing as they expect their first child in the coming weeks. While Mallory is on maternity leave this summer, please contact Joyce Perlmutter or Eitan Kantor to volunteer for Torah reading and service leadership. You’re welcome to share good wishes with Mallory.
Board Members
As she concludes her term as president, we thank Caron Blanke for applying her calm wisdom and expertise in Jewish communal leadership to help guide HEA through a time of transition and change. Next week at our annual board meeting, we will vote on the nomination of Evan Kline as Board President and welcome incoming board members Shelley Lazear, Bruce Bendell, and Ken Saliman, who will take over as VP of finance for Mark Alpert. Peter Gottlieb will fill the role of VP of Development, being vacated by Evan. We thank Mark Alpert, Jeff Aronheim, and Seth Davis for their leadership as they conclude their terms on the board.
We encourage you to attend the annual meeting on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at HEA. We will vote on the new board slate and hearing updates from VPs. Click HERE for more information.
The Torah has another term for holidays – Mikra’ei Kodesh – “holy convocation.” Mikra Kodesh has a sense of public gathering, a calling out to the community to participate actively. As a mikra kodesh, this moment is a reminder that it takes all of us – our staff, volunteers, and members – to continually build and maintain this holy congregation. As we enter a new season, we can observe both Mo’ed and Hag – cycles of time, and celebration. We mark these transitions with warm farewells and with greetings to welcome new leadership. And we thank and celebrate all our professionals and volunteers for their contributions to our kehillah kedoshah – our sacred HEA community.
One thing will never change – HEA is always committed to serving the spiritual and communal needs of our members. If you have any questions or comments about these leadership transitions, please reach out to Rabbi Gruenwald or incoming Board Chair, Evan Kline.
Moadim L’Simcha – May this be a season of healthy transitions.
Shabbat Shalom
