Presented by Joe Glickman, September 23, 2024
Shanah Tovah.
Standing before you today on Rosh Hashanah fills me with a profound sense of gratitude and humility. This day is not only the birthday of the world, a time when we pause to hear the shofar and take stock of our lives, but it’s also a time when we take stock of our community – the spiritual home we create together here at Congregation Shir Shalom.
I have been part of this congregation, and before that Temple Beth Am, since 1961. My connection to this community runs deep. My mother, Marlene Glickman, and my father, Marshall Glickman, both served as of Temple Beth Am. As a child, I watched them lead with passion, warmth, and dedication – welcoming people, solving challenges, and always keeping our Jewish values at the forefront. Those moments left a lasting impression on me.
Today, standing before you as President of Shir Shalom, I feel profoundly honored to follow in their footsteps. When I was first asked to serve as President of Shir Shalom, my first thought was, “This is a huge honor.” My second thought was, “I better find out what they expect of me!” Some days I feel like I’m part CEO, part building manager, part event planner, and part amateur plumber.
Fortunately, we have Todd Sugarman and Larry Posses to handle the real plumbing – and everything else! For more than six decades, I’ve seen firsthand how a synagogue becomes more than a building. It becomes the heart of a community – a place of prayer, of celebration, of mourning, of learning, and of belonging.
As your president, I am humbled to help steward that legacy into the future. This past year has been one of remarkable activity and renewal at Shir Shalom. Our worship services have continued to evolve with meaning and warmth. Whether you join us weekly for Shabbat or come for the High Holy Days, you know that our clergy – with their talent and compassion – create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.
Our music continues to inspire us, our Torah study continues to challenge us, and our celebrations continue to bring us together. Our educational programs are thriving. Our school now bears a beautiful new name – B’COL, which stands for Buffalo Community of Learners. And this year, we are thrilled to share that nearly 80 students are enrolled, learning our traditions and values with enthusiasm and joy. Under the guidance of Rabbi Einav Symons, our Director of B’COL, and with the support of our incredible teachers and volunteers, we are nurturing the next generation of Jewish life here at Shir Shalom.
Beyond our walls, our commitment to Tikkun Olam – repairing the world – has been equally strong. Through food drives, volunteer initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations, we’ve made a real impact on those in need. This is what living our Jewish values looks like. This is what Shir Shalom stands for.
Financially, we remain steady and responsible. Thanks to your generosity and the hard work of our board, we’ve been able to sustain our operations, invest in our facilities, and plan for the future. We’ve undertaken needed improvements to our building and grounds, making sure our home is welcoming and accessible for everyone. None of this happens without the people who lead and serve our congregation every day.
I want to take a moment to thank them individually:
– Rabbi Alex Lazarus Klein, whose wisdom, warmth, and leadership guide our
congregation.
– Cantor Arlene Frank, whose voice uplifts our prayers and strengthens our spiritual life.
– Our organist and musicians, who bring beauty and soul to our worship.
– Joanne Marquisee, our Executive Director, who keeps our synagogue running
smoothly with grace and professionalism.
– Our dedicated Board Members, who give of their time, energy, and expertise to
sustain our mission.
– Rabbi Einav Symons, Director of B’COL, who is shaping our children’s Jewish education
with passion and vision.
– Julianna, our new office assistant, who has quickly become an invaluable part of our
daily operations.
– And two extraordinary volunteers, Todd Sugarman and Larry Posses, whose contributions touch nearly every corner of this congregation – from high-tech services to the very practical work that keeps our building functioning, even down to bathroom duties. Todd and Larry, you embody the spirit of service, and we are deeply grateful.
We also recognize that the world is changing, and we must continue to adapt. Membership patterns are shifting across all faith communities, and yet Shir Shalom has been blessed with dedicated, active members. But we cannot take that for granted. We need to reach out to new families, to unaffiliated Jews, and to interfaith households. We need to ensure that Shir Shalom is a place where people of all ages, backgrounds, and stages of life feel embraced. Looking ahead to 5786, our priorities are clear. We want to deepen intergenerational connections – giving our youth meaningful roles in synagogue life and giving our elders opportunities to share their wisdom.
We want to expand our spiritual offerings – from innovative Shabbat services to small group prayer experiences. And we want to continue strengthening our social action, standing as a beacon of Jewish values in a complex world.
To do all this, we need you – our members. We need your ideas, your energy, and your presence. A synagogue is only as strong as the people who make it up. And here at Shir Shalom, our people are extraordinary.
As we begin this new year, I am filled with hope. The sound of the shofar calls each of us to personal reflection and renewal, but it also calls us collectively – to envision what we can build together. Our name means “Song of Peace.” May we continue to sing that song loudly, proudly, and joyfully in the year ahead.
On behalf of our clergy, our staff, our board of trustees, and myself, I thank you for your support, your commitment, and your love for this sacred community. May 5786 be a year of health, of blessing, of growth, and of peace for each of you and for Congregation Shir Shalom. Shanah Tovah U’Metukah – may you have a good and sweet new year. So, as we enter 5786, let us continue to build this extraordinary community together – with dedication, with joy, and yes, with just enough humor to survive my learning curve as president! May Shir Shalom’s song of peace ring louder than ever in our hearts and in our world.
Thank you.
Last updated on September 25th, 2025 at 03:33 pm