You never realize how much stuff you have until you try to move it — from here, where you and your family may have lived, collected, and saved a half-lifetime of possessions — to there, where a comfortable but more intimate nearby space for a single occupant must s -t -r -e -t -c -h to its limit to contain all that you say you cannot live without — plus accommodate one 12-pound pussycat who considers this intrusion an intolerable affront to his established routine.
Such was the case this president braved only a month or so ago — giving up an expansive house in Southold and 40 years of memories — for an apartment at Peconic Landing, a few miles east, but an epoch away from life as I had known it for more than 50 years of homeownership.
Happily, I can share the news that after all the sorting, tossing, repurposing, donating, selling and gnashing of teeth, all is well. I am moved in, the furniture is in place, art is mounted on the walls, the boxes are unpacked, the electronics are connected, and I have a wonderful place to work, thanks to my daughters. Mothers and daughters, oh my. They argued vigorously that the L-shaped desk in my house would not fit in the small den in the apartment and “Oh Mom, just bite the bullet and order a new desk that fits the space.” So, finally, I did, and well, they were right. However, after much championing the case of the living room rug, of which they argued, “Mom, it will not fit,” I replied, “It’s coming with me. End of discussion.” And, whadiya think? The rug translated beautifully from there to here, (well, close enough). As to the insufferably annoyed cat, he has discovered that his new playground is a rabbit habitat, with himself named chief bunny bully, chasing them away from new plantings. Cat and gardener happy.
Why am I telling you this?
Two reasons: I want to announce to all that although I am happy in my new digs, alas, I had to sacrifice my much-envied and exalted position as the across-the-street-neighbor to Elaine Goldman. I miss the proximity to my dear friend, but we make frequent use of phone, email and Zoom.
And, equally important, I want everyone to know that plans for some moving at the shul are already in motion. No, we are not relocating from our historic site, but structural and aesthetic upgrades to the building have become necessary. Since the last time the shul was altered more than two decades ago, we have maintained our housing well, but we have not brought it forward to accommodate our growing membership, new programs and purposes, and the technology to bring these ideas to you. Nor have we looked insightfully at the future growth of our congregation and how an enhanced building — without infringing on our historic designation — can attract the new members we need to become the leaders and caretakers of our continuing Jewish presence here on the North Fork. In the process, just as I did, we will examine every crevasse and every item owned, from basement to attic — sorting, tossing, giving away, replacing, and gnashing teeth, no doubt, plus likely moving walls and repurposing spaces — sans feline complaints — once an action plan is established.
This is not happening tomorrow. We have miles to go — many, many months, or perhaps even a year or more — before the first nail is hammered into raw wood. I will keep the congregation updated on progress toward what is necessary and desired for the future of our shul.
We are indebted to shul member Gordon Henry, who has agreed to chair the CTI Physical Enhancement Committee, tasked with the enormity to reconcile various opinions, see the project take shape, and move the shul forward. Serving with Gordon is a group of shul members skilled in architecture and space allocation, historic preservation, financial expertise, and administrative experience, including Rabbi Gadi Capela, Elaine Goldman, Meryl Kramer, Peter Krasnow, Margot Perman, Mark Solomon, Nancy Torchio, Judith K. Weiner, and Sara Bloom (ex officio). Other professionals will be consulted and employed at the appropriate times, and the congregation will be able to follow the steps to a successful conclusion, Baruch HaShem, one to make everyone proud to be a part of our future.
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