With burdens come opportunity. And with change comes transformation. Although we have experienced a seismic shift in our lives and in the world around us, Congregation Tifereth Israel has been an anchor and a constant in the new normal. For me, this is an auspicious time to shepherd the shul forward. I am honored that you have placed your faith and trust in me to take on this role. I can assure you that I am prepared to do all I can to make a difference as we work together to achieve our common goals.

It is also an honor to follow in the footsteps of Susan Rosenstreich. With smarts and insight, Suzi has balanced multiple and sometimes competing needs. And she has trod new paths with a devotion to the synagogue that is unparalleled.

Now that we are together apart, we have made great strides in adjusting and responding to the restrictions imposed upon us. The pandemic has become an engine of opportunity. It pushes us to think differently about what we do and how we do it. With little hesitation, we have moved online, building a robust infrastructure. We did not cancel programs. Instead, we maintained our agenda and added new initiatives in a Zoom format: Shabbat and holiday services, Passover Seders, Board of Directors and Congregation meetings, classes, the popular Shul Schmooze column, and the innovative Lunch and Learn project. Plus, our virtual fundraising programs — the Silent Auction and the Journal — are keeping our shul vibrant.

Forced by circumstance, we began to think differently about how we could embrace congregants, how we could bring people together, and how we could nurture our spiritual home now and as we begin to plan for the reopening of our shul building.

And this is just the beginning.

—Judith K. Weiner