An open letter to members of the JCKI called a meeting of the concerned members of the JCK because I felt like our “base” leadership was aging and we needed some input, ideas, vitality to keep our community viable- in service to our Kauai community and visiting Jews.In attendance were the 6 board members- Marty Kahn (P), Dale Rosenfeld (VP & T), Carol Pescaia (S), Larry Raithaus, Jeff Tucker (Webmaster), and Rob Goldberg as well asMonroe Richman, Richard and Barbara Levine. Regrets received from off-island members.Meeting Recap Here is a recap of the discussion and the resolution of the issues at hand:
- Observation- average age of our Shabbat attendees is north of 60
- Average age of the people attending the discussion- north of 70
- Monroe suggested we start chaverim (discussion groups) in individual homes. Then we could come together and share the ideas as part of the Shabbat service. Monroe and the Levines said they would host. No one at the meeting volunteered to organize and be responsible for an ongoing program. This idea is a good one and we need a volunteer to lead it.
- Rob said the Sunday School (teachers Sally Wilson, Lisa Splittstoesser, and Edie Katon) is growing with 9-12 students. The children are the nucleus of the community. We should integrate the kids into community affairs: for example, teaching tzedakah by feeding the homeless. Perhaps invest in buying books and materials. Dale (or Monroe) suggested a children’s service on a Friday night. Marty will schedule 3 Friday night services for next year. Marty will not be able to lead. Dale would take charge.
- Jeff (our webhero) said technology enhances as well as creates our community. Suggested we have more video, music, interactive features. It was agreed. We need input from the community for this to work better.
- Carol suggested having Israeli folk dancing. Logistics were not discussed.
In Conclusion We are an aging community and unless younger members step forward to re-energize the group, there will not be a JCK available for your children and grandchildren.So I respectfully reiterate my plea to have younger concerned members step forward and assume the role that some of us have been shouldering for more than 20 years.B’shalom.Comments.Subscribe to our email updates