From the Interim Executive Director

Like so many Vermonters on the sometimes sunny weekends we’re beginning to have, I’m reveling that spring is truly just around the corner.   And enjoying that invariable sense of renewal that spring brings to us.  I feel especially fortunate this season as I move into a challenging new job as Ohavi Zedek’s Interim Executive Director.   I am blessed to be working with wonderful people, and blessed to be working with a community such as this one.   During my year at OZ, I have met many people I’ve enjoyed, and I’ve learned much. Working with Mike Kanarick has been a pleasure, and those of us on staff will miss him, just as I’m sure all of you will.   Along with his ceaseless energy, Mike has brought such a positive sense of possibility to OZ; he greeted problems with his inevitable humor and can-do will, and celebrated everyone’s successes as happily as if they were his own.  We’re happy to know he won’t be far away, and we’re appreciative of all his offers of continuing support.    We’ll continue to see a lot of Mike around OZ. 

It is my plan to continue much of what Mike has brought to OZ.  I have spent many years in various kinds of financial management positions and am enthusiastic that the skills I’ve developed will transfer well to my new and challenging role at OZ.  Like anyone in a new job, I have much to learn and will always welcome your thoughts and ideas and concerns.   I’m relishing the opportunity OZ has presented to me, and I’m looking forward to the things each success and each stumble will teach me.  For me, it is the opportunity to see so many of you frequently that makes this new work exciting.   I have loved the histories I’ve been treated to by those who’ve lived in the Vermont Jewish community for so long.   I have enjoyed being with all the volunteers who come to fold the Voice or to cook or to help in the office.   And I have especially liked Hebrew School days when my quiet classroom office transforms to its actual purpose and the building is filled with the sounds of kids running and laughing and studying.   That I get to work in an environment such as this is a gift.     

Much of our administrative staff is new.  We will all be learning together, and I have no doubt that we’ll bring a new radiant energy to OZ.  Trish, our administrative assistant, has met the challenge of her first month assembling information for the Voice, and continues to impress members with her warm manner and welcoming smile.  I look forward to working with our new, part-time membership and outreach coordinator as we continue to engage within and beyond our community to build OZ’s vibrant membership and to bring programs and events that keep OZ a place where the community spirit is strong and abiding.   We also have a new part-time bookkeeper, who is available at regular times to answer questions about member accounts or to receive the gifts our members make by phone.  While this is a difficult year economically for everyone, including OZ, the synagogue’s financial house is in order, and I look forward to continuing to tend those tasks with the help of our new bookkeeper.   As everyone realizes this year, we need to make do with a little less in many cases, and it will be our job to find creative ways to bring this community together with programs and events that strengthen the bonds of belonging while keeping an eye on our resources.   I’m confident we can do that, especially with all the support we have from our many committees and volunteers.  I am confident that with all these changes (all of which are designed with our changing budget demands in mind), we will have a team that will serve the OZ congregation well. 

The work we have ahead is exciting.  The Tikvah 2020 strategic visioning and planning process is continuing, and your participation is welcomed.  If you haven’t been involved but would like to be, feel free to call me.   You may also contact either Mike Kanarick or Yoram Samets, our Tikvah 2020 co-chairs.   Our ongoing committees also welcome your support and participation, and I’d be happy to talk with anyone interested in the opportunities there.   

As always, the OZ website provides a comprehensive list of the committees and their members.

I’m honored to be sharing this community with all of you.

Sincerely,
Jan Stickle