Rabbi's Blog

Dear Friends of OZ

This is my last Rosh Hashana message as president. Thank G-d, right?

It is very difficult to be president - it doesn't fit well with my personality. (I'll never forgive Mendy Gross for encouraging me to do it!). I don't like asking anyone for money; like Ben Shapiro, I believe that "facts don't care about your feelings," so I tend to ignore emotional factors when engaging in any debate. In other words, I have none of the characteristics of an effective politician.  

So, on the eve of Rosh Hashana, I hereby and humbly apologize to anyone who was offended by my language or tone. No disrespect or dismissiveness was intended. Please also remember that I am just the president trying to keep the shul running - the spirit of the shul resides in Rabbi Schwartz, who is a great, great man of chesed and Torah.

Looking back, I am satisfied with what we accomplished. The pews are restored and with cushions, and the new carpet have returned the beauty of the main shul; the lobby has been restored; after many years of delay, we commenced the facade & infrastructure repair (the deterioration is worse than we thought...) and Beis Medrash renovation; the roof was repaired and we no longer have leaks; we started CSS and other security measures; our youth department is first-rate; the office staff are more customer-oriented and the physical office itself has been updated; no long speeches at the Dinner; AND MOST IMPORTANT - WE HAVE CHOLENT AND HERRING EVERY SHABBOS....WITH CRACKERS, MIND YOU.

Anyway, I don't mean to engage in self-aggrandizement - I just want people to know that I am trying my best and my intentions are good, dan l'kaf z'chus if they don't agree with me, and look at the whole picture. Also, frankly, the people who did most of the work were Paul Wachtel, Joe Tuchman, and another guy who insists on being anonymous. My fellow Officers were very effective and dedicated, and the trustees were there for advice and support. 

We are a few hundred thousand dollars short in our capital campaign, and we are now, I am sorry to say, forced to go to the bank. If you can spare $5 a day for the next four years, and place your plaque on your pew, then we can avoid that step. Don't do it for me - do it for Rabbi Schwartz. Do it for your friends at shul. Do it for those who did it for us, and for those who will come after us in the years to come. JUST FIVE DOLLARS A DAY - the fact I have not been able to get everyone to dedicate their pew just shows you what a lousy politician and fundraiser I am. For the love of G-d, and for the honor of Rabbi Schwartz- please spare five bucks a day and dedicate your pew. 

Wishing everyone a sweet and healthy new year. Most of the hard work is behind us, and I am very optimistic about the future of our shul, and I encourage everyone to be a part of it ... in other words, pay your dues and Yom Kippur appeal! Thanks!

Ari Weitzner