Tribute to the Men’s Club at Men's Club Shabbat 2012

It is my honor to celebrate Shabbat with the Men’s Club and to thank you for your many contributions to the life of our congregation.

Beth Israel’s Board of Directors is guided by the wisdom of Men’s Club President Ben Schneider, Men’s Club Past President Bob Metz and Men’s Club member Alan Haubenstock, all of whom are present this evening.

Beth Israel is flourishing.  Throughout our 150th year, many congregants have re-bonded with Beth Israel in meaningful ways. And it’s been my pleasure to participate in many of the Men’s Club’s important contributions to the success Beth Israel is enjoying. I’d like to mention just two of these many contributions.

First, all year long, under the leadership of George Wise, and many others, the Men’s Club conducted Forum 150, which featured fascinating monthly speakers.  I think I’ve enjoyed attending Forum 150 as much as anyone has, and I’ve learned a great deal from hearing the excellent speakers you’ve brought here!

Second, another highlight of the year has been the development of our History Book – A Time to Remember, The First 150 Years, A History of Congregation Beth Israel in San Diego. The Book, which all members will receive, was written and researched by the Beth Israel History Project, led by Larry Krause, Stan Schwartz and George Wise.

In 2010, Beth Israel was proud to award our Volunteer of the Year Award to the History Project – which, as you know, grew from its origins as a Men’s Club project. There was no group more deserving of being Volunteers of the Year than the participants in this project including Ernie Abbit, Jay Harris, Jim Malkus, Bob Metz, Ben Schneider, Ben Weinbaum, David Schlafman, Sallye Krause, Jerry Levy, and many others.

I’m pleased to tell you that work on the Book project continued throughout this year under the utmost care and guidance of Editor Liz Levine. Many others played a part in bringing the Book to life and it is going to be a fabulous tribute to teamwork when the Book comes out and the whole congregation gets to appreciate the results.

Forum 150 and the Book are just two examples of the great work conducted by the Men’s Club. I thank you for making Beth Israel such a good place for men and for all the rest of us.