Happy Chanukah! The Season of Light is here amid these very dark days of the pandemic. This year we all need to bask in the glow of the candles and know that we will prevail and go on to celebrate for many years to come. Join us for the lighting of the Chanukah candles each night, and you will see that you are part of a vibrant community that can’t wait to be back together again!
Thank you to all who attended the Annual Meeting. We opened with a video of the new sanctuary followed by brief reports from myself, Rabbi Bender, Jon Alper (for Jerry Smith), Pam Sender and Barry Weiss. Complete reports from our committees are still available on the website. Barry Weiss, as Nominating Committee chair, presented a slate of nominees, which was approved by acclamation.
2021 Officers and Board of Directors
President - Michelle Bannon
1st VP & House Chair - Jon Alper
VP-at-Large - Carol Atwood
Treasurer - Bruce Moskowitz
Secretary - Rena Goldwasser
Harold Eichenholz - Walter Winter
Steve Stein - Scott Johnson
Diane Gerberg - Laurel Westreich
Neil Harris - Ruth Smith
Welcome to our newest Board members!
Bruce Moskowitz will serve as Treasurer, bringing a wealth of experience in finance as well as from his previous service to Bnai Israel as Past President and member of the Board.
Ruth Smith and Neil Harris are joining the Board for the first time. Ruth had a successful career in government relations in Washington DC and is currently president of Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Area.
Neil is a CPA who worked in accounting and finance for over 40 years and now teaches at UNCW part time.
I’m looking forward to a productive 2021! So long to those who have served!
Many thanks to Barry Weiss for his 17 years of service on the Board, as President for 4 years and wearer of many hats at Bnai Israel. What will he do with all his free time?
Thank you also to Jerry Smith for his work as our Treasurer for the last 4 years. Among many other accomplishments, Jerry initiated the Circle of Honor and is the reason we received a PPP loan this year. Jerry is recovering from major surgery and we all wish him a complete and speedy recovery.
Thanks to Carolyn Moskowitz for her service on the Board and several committees and as the creator of many beautiful things.
Noa Alper has somehow managed to serve on the Board and do committee work while running a business full time and getting her girls to all their activities!
We will miss all of you but still know where to reach you!
Mazel Tov to Kyla Alper as she reads from the Torah and becomes a Bat Mitzvah this Shabbat! We are all with you in spirit, Kyla!
Stay Safe and Shabbat Shalom,
Michelle
