I am truly honored and proud to serve as president of Shaarey Zedek. 43 years ago, when Carol and I were getting married, we decided it was time to join a synagogue. It was important that we found a place that we could call home. A shul where we could feel both spiritually and socially connected. A place where our children could grow up and develop a love of Jewish values, observance, and community. We found that home and so much more here at Shaarey Zedek.

For generations, Shaarey Zedek clergy, leaders, and volunteers have inspired and touched so many families. Our Jewish identity, religious observance, learning, and inclusion is the heart and soul of our synagogue. I look forward to being a part of Shaarey Zedek’s leadership as it continues to grow, thrive, and evolve for many years to come.

For those who attended the annual general meeting it was clear that holding the meeting virtually didn’t work well and was not adequate. It was a challenge for attendees to make comments and ask questions.  Overall, communication was unsatisfactory. 

Timely communication is essential to the health of our synagogue. But even in this digital age, when communication is supposed to be faster and easier than ever, it can still be a struggle.  Regardless of the challenge, it is essential that our leadership be transparent with our members and make it clear what and why decisions are being made. 

One way to communicate and engage with our membership is through our committees. In the coming months our many committees will be asked to review their mandates and become active. Each committee will have a board member involved.  New communication and planning committees will be set up. Communication and engagement of our members is important because Shaarey Zedek is about its membership.

To help us understand the issues and opportunities for Shaarey Zedek, focus groups with our members have been conducted this fall and additional sessions will take place early in the new year. The results of these sessions will help the synagogue determine and improve program needs, evaluate performance, membership satisfaction and development.

Your board cares deeply about the future of our synagogue. Our goal is to create a home for Jewish observance, learning and Chesed for us and our future generations. One with roots in our traditions and our synagogue’s rich history while still reflecting our modern values. And ideally, one situated back in our Wellington Crescent home in the not-too-distant future.

Neil Duboff
President
hello@szwinnipeg.ca