blogs/brentspodek

This community has been blessed to have Deborah Davidovits as our president for the past three years. 

There are few more thankless roles in Jewish communal life than synagogue president. 

One who takes on that role - particularly at an institution our size - is perpetually navigating multiple legitimate needs, not all of which can be met, some of which are in conflict. 

One who takes on that role sees their relationships - with friends, neighbors and clergy, transformed, often in challenging ways. 

One who takes on that role is in a lot of meetings - a lot of meetings. 

Deb has taken on all of that and more - Purim boxes, building repairs, snow shoveling and more. Together with her husband Matt Harle and their son Sam, they have been at the very center of this community. 

The remarkable thing about Deb is not simply that she shows up so consistently, but that she does so with grace and and a tremendous generosity of spirit. 

The rabbis imagine that when our ancient Israelite ancestors prepared for their own leadership transition, Moshe spoke to Joshua before all of Israel, and said, “Be strong and firm, but don’t be worn down by the irritations of your role. Just as the Holy One is forgiving of us, as a parent is to a child, so too should you be forgiving of Israel.” 

This is Torah that Deb has lived every day of her presidency, even when things were difficult. Her grace and generosity of spirit has humbled me, comforted me and most of all, inspired me.

Deb’s term as board president officially ended yesterday, and as of today, Rusty Stahl is the president of Beacon Hebrew Alliance.  I am excited to welcome Deb “back” to the community, relieved of the challenges and joys of the presidency, and I am excited to work with Rusty to further strengthen our community in this coming challenging year and beyond. 

May we go from strength to strength in building a community which is ever more attuned to the Divine presence in our lives.