From the Desk of the President

It was with the greatest of pleasure, at the Annual Meeting on May 8th, that I was able to thank Howard Levy for his service to our community as the President of the Jewish Federation of Palm Springs and Desert Area for the last three years.

Anyone who has worked with Howard understands his commitment and passion to the mission of our Federation. Whether traveling to Moldova in the FSU or Israel or the General Assembly, heading the Major Gifts campaign, taking on the responsibility of the entire campaign as Vice President, attending numerous meetings as President-Elect, sitting down face to face with our recipient agencies, meeting with the Rabbis, representing Federation at varied events, offering his home for meetings, working with the Board of Directors and chairs of events and committees, Howard has served and represented us well. He will continue to be a guiding hand as a member of our Executive Committee. I extend our heartfelt appreciation for a job well done.

It was just three years ago that I wrote an article in the Jewish Community News contemplating what the year would bring as President of the Women’s Division of Federation. I looked forward to a very exciting new adventure. Well, fast forward to May 2008.

As Howard Levy so eloquently wrote of his journey to the position of President of Federation in last month’s JCN I too would like to thank and acknowledge some of those who helped to point me on this path to President of your Federation … and it is your Federation. I might leave some of you out but you know how much I appreciate all of your support:
- Barbara and Steve Platt, who started me on my personal Jewish Odyssey;
- Faye Katlin, who asked me to join the Women’s Division Board and to serve on the Executive Committee;
- Annette Novack who, as president, served as a role model;
- Celia Norian, for her wisdom, vision and problem solving;
- Fran Kaufman, who has taught me so many important values;
- Howard Levy, who has been an example to me in how to solve varied problems and keep a steady hand;
- Also, the strong support of Alan Klugman, our Executive Director, who worked so closely with me on the 2008 Campaign;
- My husband, Allan who has been a role model as President of Federation, my strongest supporter and who has encouraged me to accept this challenge!

We look forward to the 2009 year and we will be adding a mid level event due to the interest in the Thank You Dinner this past April. We are planning to offer more events at UCR that will be free to the community. We will be expanding our successful Super Week. There is an ad in the June JCN which asks for your e-mail addresses so that we can notify you of important breaking news and to inform you of our many different events, so that you can participate. This will be e-mail blasts taking us into the 21st century.

I will be working with an exceptional board. I would like to congratulate and welcome the new members of the Board; Nancy Ditlove,
Arnie Gillman, Cora Ginsberg, Margot Halperin, Marvin Lewis and Don Stein, who all bring a wealth of experience, talents and background
to our local Federation.

Of course the best part of my position is having the opportunity to work with so many men and women who have so much to offer our community. This makes for strong bonds of friendship.

It is with great pride that I have accepted the responsibility of President of the Jewish Federation. So as we welcome the 2008- 2009 Board of Directors, let us together take this opportunity to renew our dedication to our highest goals and the important work that needs to be done to realize their achievement.

I hope you enjoy your summer plans and return to us for the 2009 year, refreshed and invigorated, ready to become an important part of a very special community.