Friday, May 27, 2005
Congregational meeting tonight 5/31/05 8pm
Since this is a holiday weekend, I want to remind everyone that on May 31, 2005 (8pm), Jewish Democracy continues with our congregational meeting concerning the budget. On May 23, 2005 we had a spirited and respectful discussion about important FHC issues. I hope that everyone who attended that meeting comes again on May 31, 2005 and all others join us. It is great that our members take a real interest in the governance of FHC. Shalom, Good Shabbos and have a safe and restful Memorial Day Weekend. Jeremy Krantz
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
FHC: Jewish Democracy in Action
Last night, FHC held a congregational meeting that was well attended. In addition, the discussion and the atmosphere of the participants was (at least until I left at approx 9:45pm), respectful and polite.
The slate of candidates for the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees was selected and the election should run smoothly.
The congregation discussed proposed changes to the Bylaws as well as related issues. The discussion will continue on other important issues on May 31, 2005. It is important that you attend these meetings and vote in June.
I applaud the Exec. Committee members who conducted the May 23, 2005 meeting. The meeting gave me a real sense of hope that FHC and its incoming leadership and the Board of Trustees will direct its energies to attacking and solving real issues, to better our Jewish Community, so as not to get bogged down in trivial issues that sap us of our energies.
Sometimes democracy, even Jewish Democracy, while not a neat and tidy method of governance, works! Shalom. Jeremy Krantz
The slate of candidates for the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees was selected and the election should run smoothly.
The congregation discussed proposed changes to the Bylaws as well as related issues. The discussion will continue on other important issues on May 31, 2005. It is important that you attend these meetings and vote in June.
I applaud the Exec. Committee members who conducted the May 23, 2005 meeting. The meeting gave me a real sense of hope that FHC and its incoming leadership and the Board of Trustees will direct its energies to attacking and solving real issues, to better our Jewish Community, so as not to get bogged down in trivial issues that sap us of our energies.
Sometimes democracy, even Jewish Democracy, while not a neat and tidy method of governance, works! Shalom. Jeremy Krantz
Monday, May 23, 2005
Congregational meeting tonight 5/23/05 8pm and new photos
Just a reminder to come to the congregational meeting tonight at 8pm to discuss important issues. As a bonus, check out the new pictures!
Thursday, May 19, 2005
FHC Summer Movie Series
After conferring with our in-house Audio-visual expert, he has confirmed that we can show movies this summer, either inside or, if not a full moon and we can turn off the parking lot lights, outside. Outdoor chairs welcome.
The Rabbi has suggested pre-shabbat Friday night movies in June and for the months of July and August we are suggesting Sunday evenings.
We are further suggesting that the movies be "FREE" and that people can make a suggested donation if they so desire and pay for refreshments (or if outside, bring their own kosher snacks)
I have previously suggested several movies. Other movies that were recently suggested were 1) Life is Beautiful, 2)The Pianist, 3)Crossing Delancy
So far we have the following suggested movies for the summer series.
Exodus
Schindlers List
Fiddler on the Roof
Jacob the Liar
Crossing Delancy
Life is Beautiful
The Chosen
The Pianist
It would be helpful to know if people are interested in these or other movies and if they are interested, would they come to a free movie series over the summer.
This could be a nice way of connecting Spring and Fall activities at FHC and could provide several enjoyable evenings of no-stress, Free, community-oriented, family fun.
Since I have been getting feedback about the blog on the comment section and independently by e-mails, you can contact me either way. If the "Youts" would like to have input concerning this movie series, or they want to have a special "Youts" oriented movie night over the summer, we would welcome that also.
In a few days, to provide time for input, I will confer with the A-V expert and see if we can set up dates and movies and then hopefully, we will publicize the "FHC Summer movie series". Jeremy Krantz
FYI (I am still trying to get the Rabbi Radler pictures posted)
The Rabbi has suggested pre-shabbat Friday night movies in June and for the months of July and August we are suggesting Sunday evenings.
We are further suggesting that the movies be "FREE" and that people can make a suggested donation if they so desire and pay for refreshments (or if outside, bring their own kosher snacks)
I have previously suggested several movies. Other movies that were recently suggested were 1) Life is Beautiful, 2)The Pianist, 3)Crossing Delancy
So far we have the following suggested movies for the summer series.
Exodus
Schindlers List
Fiddler on the Roof
Jacob the Liar
Crossing Delancy
Life is Beautiful
The Chosen
The Pianist
It would be helpful to know if people are interested in these or other movies and if they are interested, would they come to a free movie series over the summer.
This could be a nice way of connecting Spring and Fall activities at FHC and could provide several enjoyable evenings of no-stress, Free, community-oriented, family fun.
Since I have been getting feedback about the blog on the comment section and independently by e-mails, you can contact me either way. If the "Youts" would like to have input concerning this movie series, or they want to have a special "Youts" oriented movie night over the summer, we would welcome that also.
In a few days, to provide time for input, I will confer with the A-V expert and see if we can set up dates and movies and then hopefully, we will publicize the "FHC Summer movie series". Jeremy Krantz
FYI (I am still trying to get the Rabbi Radler pictures posted)
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
SPECIAL GUEST WRITER ON IMPORTANT ISSUE (UNEDITED)
OUR NEED TO ADVANCE THE CONSERVATIVE MOVEMENT AND REMAIN A MEMBER OF UNITED SYNAGOGUE
By David Kasdan, FHC Member
Because of upcoming decisions that we must make as a congregation, FHC is at a crossroads concerning our affiliation with the Conservative Movement. Before you know it, and unless we act quickly and decisively, FHC may no longer be a member of the The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ). I urge you to consider carefully the ramifications of becoming an unaffiliated, free-floating institution and whether this is consistent with the goals of FHC.
By way of background, unless FHC remits its annual dues to USCJ by 6/30/05, we may no longer be affiliated with the Conservative Movement. And, the proposed revision of our By-Laws presents a subtle but significant potential sea change concerning our future relationship with the Conservative Movement. Despite the current By-Law directive (Article II) that we "strengthen Conservative Judaism", a proposed By-Law change may undermine our communal ability to strengthen the Conservative Movement. In curious bit of logic, it has been proposed that we retain the By-Law objective of strengthening the Conservative Movement, while at the same time we eliminate the By-Law requirement that we maintain membership with the Conservative Movement and instead require only that we "maintain a relationship with the Conservative Movement". Here, my biggest concern stems from the intellectual and spiritual loss to our community if we sever affiliation with the Conservative Movement. I was raised in a Conservative Synagogue and joined FHC because of its USCJ affiliation. I had the privilege of attending and graduating from the after-school Hebrew High School of the Jewish Theological Seminary. As a result, I experienced first-hand the dynamics of a movement that is confident enough to apply the most rigorous intellectual analysis to ancient texts while exploring the spirituality flowing from the revelationat Mount Sinai and God's covenant with the Jewish people. The Conservative Movement presents context and points of reference for Jewish rites of passage including Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and observance of Jewish Holidays and Shabbat. It blends modernity and antiquity in a balanced and thoughtful way. Our inclusion in the Conservative Movement provides FHC with important resources. I urge you to explore the movement's website: www.uscj.org and in particular the sections entitled Resource Center and Jewish Living. The movement has given us much: for example, the text found in our prayer books and the commentary found in our Bibles. Yet, it is fair to ask whether the movement can offer more. Towards that end, I suggest playing for the congregation the newly produced USCJ CD which describes the programs and activities of the United Synagogue and our local Metropolitan New York region at the upcoming 5/23/05 Congregational Meeting. And, if there is further interest in better understanding the resources that USCJ can bring to FHC, I have confirmed that USCJ'sExecutive Director Bruce Greenfield is available to address the Congregation at our 5/31/05 Congregational Meeting. I also volunteer to become the liaison between FHC and USCJ in an effort to extract the full benefit of membership. After all, the heart of the Conservative Movement is only some forty miles from FHC and I am in NYC every work day.
Simply put, if we need more from USCJ let's go out and get it. But I believe that USCJ is there to provide it. To turn away from all that the movement has to offer should not be the answer. What kind of Synagogue will we then become? What context and background will support our Bar/Bat Mitzvah services and our celebration of holidays and Shabbat?
Finally, a word on the economics. As I understand it, the current cost of USCJ membership is approximately $13,000 annually. To place a "price" on this membership commitment, the "economics" of the By-law change concerning FHC and USCJ are supposedly reflected in a recent dual dues structure proposal that appears to suggest that our membership dues must increase by an average of $155 per member to support our continuing membership in the Conservative Movement. I believe, however, that the per member cost for our membership in the Conservative Movement is over $100 less than the dual dues structure suggests, Assuming a membership of 250, I believe that the cost of membership can be covered via an average payment of $52.00 per member or just one dollar a week! I am not privy to the methodology used to compute the need for a suggested average membership raise of $155 and should my math be inaccurate or subject to correction, I will apologize. I still submit, however, that the only way to strengthen Conservative Judaism is to be a member of the Conservative Movement.
Here, is where I put my money where my mouth is: if the Board authorizes timely payment of the USCJ membership dues for the year 2005-06 prior to the 6/30/05 deadline, I pledge to personally donate $750 to FHC earmarked for USCJ dues and to match the next $750 that is donated and earmarked for payment of USCJ dues.
FHC and our local Jewish community should remain part of a greater community and grow with the resources that that greater community provides. If not now, then when?!
David S. Kasdan
By David Kasdan, FHC Member
Because of upcoming decisions that we must make as a congregation, FHC is at a crossroads concerning our affiliation with the Conservative Movement. Before you know it, and unless we act quickly and decisively, FHC may no longer be a member of the The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ). I urge you to consider carefully the ramifications of becoming an unaffiliated, free-floating institution and whether this is consistent with the goals of FHC.
By way of background, unless FHC remits its annual dues to USCJ by 6/30/05, we may no longer be affiliated with the Conservative Movement. And, the proposed revision of our By-Laws presents a subtle but significant potential sea change concerning our future relationship with the Conservative Movement. Despite the current By-Law directive (Article II) that we "strengthen Conservative Judaism", a proposed By-Law change may undermine our communal ability to strengthen the Conservative Movement. In curious bit of logic, it has been proposed that we retain the By-Law objective of strengthening the Conservative Movement, while at the same time we eliminate the By-Law requirement that we maintain membership with the Conservative Movement and instead require only that we "maintain a relationship with the Conservative Movement". Here, my biggest concern stems from the intellectual and spiritual loss to our community if we sever affiliation with the Conservative Movement. I was raised in a Conservative Synagogue and joined FHC because of its USCJ affiliation. I had the privilege of attending and graduating from the after-school Hebrew High School of the Jewish Theological Seminary. As a result, I experienced first-hand the dynamics of a movement that is confident enough to apply the most rigorous intellectual analysis to ancient texts while exploring the spirituality flowing from the revelationat Mount Sinai and God's covenant with the Jewish people. The Conservative Movement presents context and points of reference for Jewish rites of passage including Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and observance of Jewish Holidays and Shabbat. It blends modernity and antiquity in a balanced and thoughtful way. Our inclusion in the Conservative Movement provides FHC with important resources. I urge you to explore the movement's website: www.uscj.org and in particular the sections entitled Resource Center and Jewish Living. The movement has given us much: for example, the text found in our prayer books and the commentary found in our Bibles. Yet, it is fair to ask whether the movement can offer more. Towards that end, I suggest playing for the congregation the newly produced USCJ CD which describes the programs and activities of the United Synagogue and our local Metropolitan New York region at the upcoming 5/23/05 Congregational Meeting. And, if there is further interest in better understanding the resources that USCJ can bring to FHC, I have confirmed that USCJ'sExecutive Director Bruce Greenfield is available to address the Congregation at our 5/31/05 Congregational Meeting. I also volunteer to become the liaison between FHC and USCJ in an effort to extract the full benefit of membership. After all, the heart of the Conservative Movement is only some forty miles from FHC and I am in NYC every work day.
Simply put, if we need more from USCJ let's go out and get it. But I believe that USCJ is there to provide it. To turn away from all that the movement has to offer should not be the answer. What kind of Synagogue will we then become? What context and background will support our Bar/Bat Mitzvah services and our celebration of holidays and Shabbat?
Finally, a word on the economics. As I understand it, the current cost of USCJ membership is approximately $13,000 annually. To place a "price" on this membership commitment, the "economics" of the By-law change concerning FHC and USCJ are supposedly reflected in a recent dual dues structure proposal that appears to suggest that our membership dues must increase by an average of $155 per member to support our continuing membership in the Conservative Movement. I believe, however, that the per member cost for our membership in the Conservative Movement is over $100 less than the dual dues structure suggests, Assuming a membership of 250, I believe that the cost of membership can be covered via an average payment of $52.00 per member or just one dollar a week! I am not privy to the methodology used to compute the need for a suggested average membership raise of $155 and should my math be inaccurate or subject to correction, I will apologize. I still submit, however, that the only way to strengthen Conservative Judaism is to be a member of the Conservative Movement.
Here, is where I put my money where my mouth is: if the Board authorizes timely payment of the USCJ membership dues for the year 2005-06 prior to the 6/30/05 deadline, I pledge to personally donate $750 to FHC earmarked for USCJ dues and to match the next $750 that is donated and earmarked for payment of USCJ dues.
FHC and our local Jewish community should remain part of a greater community and grow with the resources that that greater community provides. If not now, then when?!
David S. Kasdan
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
IDEAS FOR FHC, STOLEN, BORROWED, NEW & OLD
Some good ideas for future FHC events and things to think about...
As the title indicates, some are stolen, borrowed, new and old. I do not take credit for these items, but I will take credit for putting them here for your review.
1. Summer Jewish Movie series at FHC. We have the Video projection system to show movies on a nine foot screen and there are several mainstream movies that would be appropriate for such a series and maybe a discussion group. Movies such as "Exodus", "Fiddler on the Roof" "Schindler's List", "Jacob the Liar", "The Chosen", and I am certain that there are others that would qualify for such a series. We could even try and have an FHC outdoor movie shown on the side of the building in the parking lot.
2. A cocktail party fundraiser at FHC to honor the last members of the Lakeland congregation and the generous donation of the proceeds from the sale of the Lakeland property. Some of the proceeds to go to a plaque in honor of the Lakeland congregation.
3. For next year's calendar, Sisterhood can sponsor a Father's Day (blueberry pancake) breakfast at FHC to honor the fathers and grandfathers of FHC and Men's Club can do a Mother's day (made to order omelet) breakfast in honor of the mother's and grandmothers of FHC. My wife advises that another congregation held such an event and had over 80 people for the event. If we honor specific individuals such as the oldest father or mother, the press might be interested in attending for a placement in the news. (The foods suggested are merely ideas to get away from the standard bagel or scrambled eggs breakfasts.)
4. The appointment by the Board of Trustees of a Scrip coordinator responsible for purchasing and distributing scrip to raise money for FHC in a simple and painless fashion.
5. A Fiftieth Anniversary Journal dinner dance in September 2007 to commemorate the September 1957 construction of FHC uptown. Planning for such an event should start at least one year prior and there should be separate committees for the dinner, the journal, silent auction, pledge drive, honorees, honorary chairpersons, etc, in order to sell full tables and journal pages/ads.
6. A sports related fundraiser/charity event such as a softball game of FHC players vs. the Youth Group or a walkathon with sponsorship for each mile walked.
7. An off-site card-game competition that has an admission fee and a portion of the proceeds go to a specific fundraising need at FHC such as a new entryway sofa, or a defibrillator on site, or even an outdoor portable basketball hoop. The balance of the proceeds could go to the individual who is the last player still in the game...
8. Whatever happened to Congregant of the month, or even student of the month? We should renew this kind of spotlight and recommend contributions be made in that person's honor for a kiddush or listed in the "Kehilataynu".
As the title indicates, some are stolen, borrowed, new and old. I do not take credit for these items, but I will take credit for putting them here for your review.
1. Summer Jewish Movie series at FHC. We have the Video projection system to show movies on a nine foot screen and there are several mainstream movies that would be appropriate for such a series and maybe a discussion group. Movies such as "Exodus", "Fiddler on the Roof" "Schindler's List", "Jacob the Liar", "The Chosen", and I am certain that there are others that would qualify for such a series. We could even try and have an FHC outdoor movie shown on the side of the building in the parking lot.
2. A cocktail party fundraiser at FHC to honor the last members of the Lakeland congregation and the generous donation of the proceeds from the sale of the Lakeland property. Some of the proceeds to go to a plaque in honor of the Lakeland congregation.
3. For next year's calendar, Sisterhood can sponsor a Father's Day (blueberry pancake) breakfast at FHC to honor the fathers and grandfathers of FHC and Men's Club can do a Mother's day (made to order omelet) breakfast in honor of the mother's and grandmothers of FHC. My wife advises that another congregation held such an event and had over 80 people for the event. If we honor specific individuals such as the oldest father or mother, the press might be interested in attending for a placement in the news. (The foods suggested are merely ideas to get away from the standard bagel or scrambled eggs breakfasts.)
4. The appointment by the Board of Trustees of a Scrip coordinator responsible for purchasing and distributing scrip to raise money for FHC in a simple and painless fashion.
5. A Fiftieth Anniversary Journal dinner dance in September 2007 to commemorate the September 1957 construction of FHC uptown. Planning for such an event should start at least one year prior and there should be separate committees for the dinner, the journal, silent auction, pledge drive, honorees, honorary chairpersons, etc, in order to sell full tables and journal pages/ads.
6. A sports related fundraiser/charity event such as a softball game of FHC players vs. the Youth Group or a walkathon with sponsorship for each mile walked.
7. An off-site card-game competition that has an admission fee and a portion of the proceeds go to a specific fundraising need at FHC such as a new entryway sofa, or a defibrillator on site, or even an outdoor portable basketball hoop. The balance of the proceeds could go to the individual who is the last player still in the game...
8. Whatever happened to Congregant of the month, or even student of the month? We should renew this kind of spotlight and recommend contributions be made in that person's honor for a kiddush or listed in the "Kehilataynu".
Monday, May 09, 2005
Bar & Bat Mitzvahs: Excellence in Preparation
On May 7, 2005 I had the joy of attending the Bat Mitzvah of one of the Hay class students. I personally would like to compliment the Bat Mitzvah on her ability to lead the service, command of Hebrew and her overall presentation. It was a joy to experience and I believe everyone in attendance would agree that her many years of Hebrew school education and the many months of Bat Mitzvah training were well worth it. I applaud the Bat Mitzvah (who is not a relative, I might add)...
But kudos must also go to FHC Hebrew School and the incredible support group that we have in place for the students. Since I try not to mention names in this Blog, they include the Rabbi, the Principal, the teachers, the tutors, the parents who support FHC and the other students of FHC Hebrew School. I do not believe we spend enough time thanking these people for everything they do.
Sometimes, we are more concerned with casting aspersions than in casting true thanks for what people do right...
I want to let everyone know that, in my opinion, FHC prepares our students, or should I say, provides our students with all the tools and support necessary to excel. I truly believe that FHC provides excellence in preparation for a Jewish life.
Thank-you to all those who are involved in this endeavor. Jeremy Krantz
But kudos must also go to FHC Hebrew School and the incredible support group that we have in place for the students. Since I try not to mention names in this Blog, they include the Rabbi, the Principal, the teachers, the tutors, the parents who support FHC and the other students of FHC Hebrew School. I do not believe we spend enough time thanking these people for everything they do.
Sometimes, we are more concerned with casting aspersions than in casting true thanks for what people do right...
I want to let everyone know that, in my opinion, FHC prepares our students, or should I say, provides our students with all the tools and support necessary to excel. I truly believe that FHC provides excellence in preparation for a Jewish life.
Thank-you to all those who are involved in this endeavor. Jeremy Krantz
Thursday, May 05, 2005
This is your FHC!!!
By now you should have received in the mail a draft set of bylaws and information pertaining to congregational meetings (May 23rd at 8:00 pm. , May 31st at 8:00 pm and June 27th at 8:00 pm) pertaining to Bylaws, elections, budget, etc. If not, you should contact the office to get information concerning these meetings.
Why should you care?
One: DUES: The cost of being a member of FHC. There are proposed significant increases in the dues.
Two: FHC BYLAWS: There are proposed changes in the bylaws concerning, inter-alia, certain benefits. You should read the proposed changes in the draft bylaws.
Three: MONEY: What is FHC doing with the money it has and how is it dealing with budgetary issues? FHC has to deal with the yearly budget, and it has to plan what it intends to do with the substantial monies it is currently holding and what FHC may do concerning potential borrowing
Four: UNITED SYNAGOGUE: Do we want to remain affiliated with United Synagogue and the fees related to continuing that affiliation?
Five: BUILDING: What are we doing with the building/renovation/improvement issue?
As a member of the Board of Trustees of FHC I believe it is my responsibilty to be available to listen to FHC congregants and their opinions concerning FHC issues. As a member of the congregation you have a responsibility to come to the aforementioned meetings and ask questions and discuss the issues that are being addressed by FHC. In the event you do not come to the meetings, decisions will be made for you and you may not like them.
ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING THESE ISSUES CAN BE PLACED IN THE COMMENTS SECTION .
Jeremy Krantz
Why should you care?
One: DUES: The cost of being a member of FHC. There are proposed significant increases in the dues.
Two: FHC BYLAWS: There are proposed changes in the bylaws concerning, inter-alia, certain benefits. You should read the proposed changes in the draft bylaws.
Three: MONEY: What is FHC doing with the money it has and how is it dealing with budgetary issues? FHC has to deal with the yearly budget, and it has to plan what it intends to do with the substantial monies it is currently holding and what FHC may do concerning potential borrowing
Four: UNITED SYNAGOGUE: Do we want to remain affiliated with United Synagogue and the fees related to continuing that affiliation?
Five: BUILDING: What are we doing with the building/renovation/improvement issue?
As a member of the Board of Trustees of FHC I believe it is my responsibilty to be available to listen to FHC congregants and their opinions concerning FHC issues. As a member of the congregation you have a responsibility to come to the aforementioned meetings and ask questions and discuss the issues that are being addressed by FHC. In the event you do not come to the meetings, decisions will be made for you and you may not like them.
ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING THESE ISSUES CAN BE PLACED IN THE COMMENTS SECTION .
Jeremy Krantz
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
To remember Rabbi Radler
I have been contacted by several members of the congregation independently of the blog who have expressed their shock and personal loss about his recent demise. One member, after reading the blog about Rabbi Radler, delivered to my house pictures of Rabbi Radler. I will attempt to have them on the blog shortly. Any other pictures or thoughts/memories will also be posted.
May I suggest that we try and do something positive and good in his honor.
If anyone has any suggestions/ideas, please place in the comment section herein. It could be anything from planting trees in Israel in his honor, to a plaque, to a plaque/tree at FHC, to a scholarship or an award at FHC named after him.
Shalom. Jeremy Krantz
May I suggest that we try and do something positive and good in his honor.
If anyone has any suggestions/ideas, please place in the comment section herein. It could be anything from planting trees in Israel in his honor, to a plaque, to a plaque/tree at FHC, to a scholarship or an award at FHC named after him.
Shalom. Jeremy Krantz
Monday, May 02, 2005
In Tribute to Rabbi Evan Radler
Our family re-joined FHC when Rabbi Radler was the Rabbi. We enjoyed the services, the High Holiday Sermons and the many other events that were conducted by Rabbi Radler. I was shocked to hear that Rabbi Radler passed away and I'm certain I am not the only one. While Rabbi Radler's life was relatively short, he has touched many of us in many ways. Should anyone wish to post their memories, thoughts, condolences, please do so.
Should anyone have photos of Rabbi Radler that they would like to contribute, please contact me.
Our thoughts are with the Radler family at this time of loss.
Jeremy & Robin Krantz
Should anyone have photos of Rabbi Radler that they would like to contribute, please contact me.
Our thoughts are with the Radler family at this time of loss.
Jeremy & Robin Krantz
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