Outgoing President’s Address from Lee Weintraub and Full recording of Annual Meeting

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Outgoing President’s Address from Lee Weintraub

It’s hard for me to believe that this moment marks the end of my term as President of Beth Emet’s Board of Trustees. Three years have passed quickly, yet they have sometimes felt long—especially during the difficult moments we have faced together. The Israel-Hamas war and the alarming rise in antisemitism have weighed heavily on all of us, making time feel suspended in hardship.

Last year, after an interfaith conversation on the war in Gaza, Dr. David Myers, a Jewish scholar from California, jokingly asked me, “Lee, what sin did you commit to become the President of Beth Emet?” Others have also said, “What a thankless job,” or “Better you than me.” Even my twin brother recently asked, “If you knew then what you do now, would you serve in this role again?”

And yet, if anything, I’m consistent. I have found this role deeply meaningful, made even more so by the commitment, love, and hard work of so many of you. After nearly 18 years of service—beginning with the renovation work and the T’rumah Campaign, culminating in this role—I can honestly say that my work at Beth Emet has been joyful and fulfilling. Yes, it has been hard work, but I have never needed thanks to feel nourished. I have been nourished by the work, learning, and most importantly, the relationships I have built with each of you. I hope that, in some small way, my efforts—and our work together—have also deepened your connection with Beth Emet.

Reflections on Three Years of Leadership

Looking back, I want to highlight some key moments— celebrations and challenges—that have defined my tenure.

Year One: We worked diligently to re-emerge after COVID, reopening our building for in-person worship, learning, and essential activities. This included the full reopening of the soup kitchen, which also celebrated its 20th anniversary. Together, we raised funds to ensure its continued success and renamed it the Rabbi Peter and Elaine Knobel Soup Kitchen at Beth Emet in honor of their lasting impact. We also began reimagining our educational programs, evaluating and implementing changes in Beit Sefer—a process that continues today.

Year Two: We welcomed Cantor Young and Jody Litwack to Klei Kodesh, setting the stage for renewed approaches to worship, study, giving, and service. However, our plans were disrupted by the tragic events of October 7th. The attack on Israel and its aftermath required us to shift our focus, developing initiatives to support our congregation and the broader community. Through it all, I witnessed the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless capacity within each of us to create a world filled with love and kindness.  One of the most powerful examples of this came through our support for Kibbutz Kissufim. Together, we raised over $250,000, forging lasting bonds between our two communities at a time when we needed each other more than ever.

Year Three and Looking Ahead: This past year, Beth Emet has continued to grow in strength and vibrancy. We have introduced the B’Yachad approach to giving, charting a path toward long-term financial sustainability. The JCC is growing with plans to welcome 30 new students through Beth Emet’s doors next year.  The relationship between Beth Emet and the Foundation continues to strengthen.  Membership growth has become a renewed focus of the Board and data from our programming—whether in worship, education, or community events—demonstrates that Beth Emet is energized and engaged. From our congregational retreat at OSRUI to a fantastic Jewish Rock Radio concert, from Friday night services where I’ve met new members of all ages, to this weekend’s Purim carnival, our community has an unmistakable spirit of renewal and joy.

Looking ahead, we will welcome Lauren Reeves as our new Director of Lifelong Learning, and on May 9th, we will gather to honor Marci, Kathy, and Bekki for their years of dedicated service. At the same time, we are thoughtfully preparing for Rabbi London’s retirement in 2026—learning about ourselves through community surveys and listening sessions as we begin the process of selecting Beth Emet’s fourth senior rabbi in our 75-year history. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, mark your calendars for June 7th!

Reflections on Leadership

I want to reflect on what leadership has meant to me. The Hebrew term ometz lev—courage—literally means “strength of heart.” It is a core Jewish middah, a spiritual and ethical trait that each of us possesses as beings created in God’s image.

In Deuteronomy, Moses imbues Joshua with the courage to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. “be strong and strengthen your heart”—are words that close Psalm 27, reminding us all to cultivate the inner strength needed to face the challenges ahead. Yet Jewish tradition teaches that ometz lev must be accompanied by chesed—lovingkindness and concern for others. I know our next Board and officers will embody these values as they lead Beth Emet from strength to strength.

Acknowledgments

I want to express my deepest gratitude:

• To the Nominating Committee, led by Debra Aron and Paul Peterson, for their diligent and thoughtful work.
• To our newly installed Board of Trustees and officers, led by incoming President Nisan Chavkin—our future is bright under your leadership.
• To the outgoing trustees—your dedication to Beth Emet is deeply appreciated.
• To Rabbi London, Cantor Young, Jody, Bekki, Marci, Pierce, Kathy, and Gabriella—your guidance and dedication have made all the difference.
• To our incredible Beth Emet staff, including Miriam, Melinda, Barb, Debbie, Butch, Ronnie, Marshal, Rachel, and Michael—thank you for making our community flourish.
• To the Executive Committee—Nisan, Jodi, Adam, Dick, Karen, Wendy, and Matt—thank you for your tireless work, your wisdom, and, most of all, your friendship.

Personal Thanks

Finally, to my family—Gita, Josh, Sari, and Ken—thank you for your love, patience, and support. I appreciate you helping me find new ways to relax and renew as my next chapter begins.

Conclusion

As I step away from this role, I do so with immense gratitude and excitement for Beth Emet’s future—the work we do here matters. The relationships we build endure. The values we uphold shape our community and our world.

May we continue from strength to strength with courage, kindness, and a shared commitment to Beth Emet’s future.  Todah Raba.