Congregational Report
Dear Members of Congregation Shomrei Torah:
Throughout 2021, the CST Board of Directors, led by the Visioning Task Force, invited you to join us in planning for the future of Congregation Shomrei Torah. Thank you to everyone who responded: 299 members completed the Congregational Survey and over 50 individuals participated in focus groups and interviews or called or emailed to share your thoughts. We have also had the benefit of input from Rabbi Gittleman, from Rabbi Kramer prior to her departure last July, and from former CST presidents Marcy Pluznick-Marrin and Paul Berlant. Special thanks to CST member Susan Bailyn for creating the “thought bubble” logo that has brightened all visioning materials.
Our goal in launching this initiative was to shine a light on levels of utilization and satisfaction with pre-Covid CST programming and to elicit suggestions for the future. Responses reflect a thriving community whose members want strong, personal connections and who continue to seek opportunities to be engaged and
involved. Many made creative, constructive suggestions for achieving those goals.
Contact Us to view a detailed report on what we learned.
In collaboration with relevant committees and Rabbi Gittleman, and with significant support from the executive director and the administrative staff, the Board has already started to act upon suggestions in areas where we can move quickly. Here are a few steps taken in Fall 2021 to immediately improve communications and
strengthen connections within the Shomrei Torah community:
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Lists of birthdays and anniversaries are now shared monthly.
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A Fall gathering was held for people interested in joining a chavurah and we are beginning to reimagine and expand the chavurah system.
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The creativity of our STaRS students is on display in Shalom Hall.
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When available, more information and photos are included in announcements about B'Mitzvahs and about congregants who've recently died.
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Pictures and descriptions of our leadership team are being posted on the CST web site, in hopes that they make it easier for other members to contact synagogue leaders about needs and interests.
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A new projector system is being installed to improve displays in the sanctuary, for both in-person and virtual interaction.
Input gathered this year will not be filed and forgotten. All of what you have shared – satisfaction, disappointment, appreciation, recommendations -- is being taken into account. We look forward to your questions and comments. If Covid restrictions allow, we hope to gather early in 2022 to discuss the findings as a community. And the visioning process is ongoing: In what way would you like to be involved? We would be happy to find a way for you to help Shomrei Torah move forward.
B’shalom,
Ann DuBay
President
Ann.Dubay@scwa.ca.gov
Judith Richlin-Klonsky
Co-Chair, Visioning Task Force
jrichlin@sonic.net
CST Board of Directors
Sharon Bauman
Ann DuBay
Dave Fichera*
Pamela Loman
Erica Magers
Jillian Navarro
Nicole Novach
Rick Reisman*
Judith Richlin-Klonsky*
Des Shapiro
Ellen van den Berg
Donna Waldman*
John Weinstein
Eli Weinzveg* (Co-Chair)
*Members of the Visioning Task Force
