Thoughts From The President

This year, I am completing my tenth year on the OJC Executive Board. I was the Financial Secretary for a year, the Treasurer for seven years and President for the past two years. I served with three different presidents and learned a great deal from each one. Jeffry Horowitz, Arthur Sanders and Barry Friedman have been my role models for the way I have conducted my presidency. I learned that understanding the skills and strengths of the people around you is as important as understanding the greater issues facing our institution. I was shown that it was possible to be a mensch and a good leader at the same time. All of them taught me about commitment and selflessness. Our community is fortunate to have had such valued leaders.

A lot has happened since I began my presidency in July 2008. We made renovations to the outside of our building; we replaced the windows in the school wing and made other improvements as well. Rabbi Scheff’s contract was extended as was Rabbi Drill’s. We wished Cantor Yucht good luck as he began the next phase of his career and we welcomed Cantor Ohring. Sadly, we came together to say goodbye to cherished family and friends who passed; we welcomed so many new members to our shul; we joined together as a community for Shabbat and festival services, High Holy Days, fundraisers and simchas. We celebrated our 50th anniversary as only the OJC can. And, hopefully, we shared a laugh or two along the way. The best part is that all of this would have occurred whether I was president or not. The strength of the OJC community is responsible for making it all happen. I am truly honored to have been a part of this period in our shul’s very long life.

Over the years, I have served with a wonderful board of trustees, executive board members, and staff. Some of them were my friends before, and more are friends now. I thank them all for their hard work and dedication. We all worked as partners in providing leadership for our shul. Working with Rabbi Scheff and Rabbi Drill has been one of the greatest gifts of my presidency. We are truly blessed to have two inspirational leaders who are not only role models for me but are true friends. They each set the example for all of us to follow.

Most of all, I want to acknowledge my wife Rosina, and my children Julie and Eric, for their support and encouragement over the past two years. I never planned to be president and I can safely say neither did they. While doing an adequate job as president requires spending many hours away from home, my family has given me the space and time I needed and I love them for it. I am so looking forward to taking my rightful place sitting next to Rosina on Shabbat mornings.

B’Shalom
Glenn Hirsch