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Highlights from the 2023 Annual Meeting

06/16/2023 10:39:51 AM

Jun16

  • The LJCC is realizing a long-time goal of establishing an endowment thanks to the generous gift of 75K from the estate of Anita Herzfeld. The establishment of the L'dor V'dor fund is a significant step toward ensuring organizational stability and long-term fiscal health.
  • New board line-up for FY24: President, Robin Rosenberg; Vice-President, Shelley Skie; Treasurer, Jordan Yochim; Corresponding Secretary, Suzanne Sherr; Past President, Carrie Caine. Members at large: Anne Eliades, Michael Hennecke, Bob Litan, Greg Rudnick, & Rebecca Swinburne Romine.
  • LJCC membership is on the rise with an increase of 18% since the 2022 Annual Meeting. Program and Engagement Director, Lara Giordano, attributes this increase to more consistent activity; advanced planning; expanded offerings; increased quality of communications; and targeted member outreach
  • The following programmatic and engagement goals were stipulated for FY24:
    • We will seek to increase the number of monthly in-person Shabbat services; to bring in song-leaders for these services; and to re-establish the practice of sponsored onegs & kiddush luncheons.
    • We will aim to foster relationships with area rabbis for the sake of being able to support our membership through lifecycle events and for the sake of connectivity with the greater Jewish network in NE Kansas.
    • We aspire to increase our social, cultural, and educational offerings to engage a broader community of Jewish individuals and Lawrencians.
    • We hope to pursue collaborative opportunities with area organizations such as the Lawrence Art Center and the Lawrence Public Library while enhancing already existing connections with area faith organizations (e.g. Hillel, Chabad, Temple Beth Sholom, etc.).
    • We will engage in targeted fundraising efforts to increase organizational capacity and ensure long-term financial stability.
  • The Religious School Advisory Committee is now the Family Programming Committee (FPC). The FPC now oversees all aspects of student religious education and family-focused programming.
    • The religious school is thriving after its “post”-covid re-opening. As reported by Howard Lubliner (FPC chair) our students are highly engaged and - wonder of wonders! - find Hebrew school a pleasure. Kudos to Religious School Director, Rachel Downs-Doubrava, and our teachers, Sol Landman-Feldman and Bailey Kivett, for helping to foster a strong sense of community and friendship amongst our youngest members.
    • The FPC is currently overseeing expansion of the religious school, including formalizing pre-K education and post-B’mitzvah teen programming. We continue to seek a curriculum facilitator for our teen program; please let potential candidates know!
  • A chair is needed for the Cemetery Committee.
  • A chair is needed for the Tikkun Olam Committee.
  • The Ritual Committee seeks an additional member.
  • A call was made for contributions to address pressing LJCC needs, including:
    • Funding for a High Holidays Service Leader - goal of $8,500
    • Funding for the Religious School - goal of $18,720
    • Funding for Phase I of Landscaping proposal - goal of $10,400
Thu, May 9 2024 1 Iyyar 5784