Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation

Many of our past presidents recently met together for dinner, to be thanked personally by Rabbi Rosenbaum. All of our leaders have spent years volunteering for the shul and took this opportunity to share some highlights of their tenures. A common theme throughout the evening was the value placed on the transitions between them and how that impacted their own challenges and successes. It became obvious that we are truly fortunate to have such an uninterrupted legacy of leadership bolstered by so many other caring volunteers. HNT, celebrating 100 years this very year is truly a living, vibrant community due to the unfaltering efforts of our volunteers and leaders.

A few thoughts that were shared….

Mike Bovarnick, 1968-70…Was deeply involved in the Herzl and Ner Tamid merger. Even though the discussions were sometimes contentious, the respective negotiating committees saw that a real benefit would accrue from a successful merger. It was realized that the two synagogues really needed each other. The membership of Herzl had been getting older and smaller in number as time passed and the membership of Ner Tamid, though much younger in age, had been so active, it was looking for renewed energy.

Abbey Franklin, 1971-73…He followed Sid Meltzer and worked with the architect to build the current building on this site. It was a lot of work, many meetings and discussions but the result has served the congregation well. Though the building was built for half the congregants we now serve it has held up under the strain. We had services at Seattle Center for the high holydays before that!

Jack Farber, 1975-1977…Thoughts of the years of my presidency and the years previously and following brought back many memories and warm feelings. He thoroughly enjoyed simchas with all the families, visitors and friends who came to celebrate many happy occasions. It is and was uplifting to share their feelings and comments on our synagogue and its beauty. Participating in the growth of our children through their b’nai mitvah and the growth of our synagogue was truly inspiring. He feels fortunate to have followed president Lew Weiner who helped create our beautiful edifice with his thousands of hours of work. The personnel and staff, board members and officers along with the entire congregation have given me many warm and uplifting moments to fill a lifetime. He thanks everyone past and present who made it so rewarding and especially his wife Corinne, children and grandchildren who have enhanced it all.

Irving Hirsch, 1981-83…The term started on a sad note because Julius Skolnick had passed away while holding office so he took over a little early. It was during this time that Rabbi Rose was hired as an assistant Rabbi just out of JTS. Sitting on the bima, he was always impressed by how well the kids could lead services especially on the last Shabbat of his tenure where he could say the same of his own son celebrating his own Bar Mitzvah.

Mike Weinstein, 1986-88…needed to run the synagogue for 18 months without a Rabbi…spending hours in the back office meeting with people and resolving their issues. It was hard but a fun and exhilarating time and eventually Rabbi Rose was hired.

Bob Lowy, 1988-90…The Renovation of the Sanctuary and Social Hall took place as well as instituting our first annual High Holyday Appeal…also dressed up as a bear at Purim!

Joey Mayo, 1990-92…It was a particular honor to serve as president because his father- in-law was a past president and he became its first Sephardic one. He loved the B’nai Mitzvot and he finds it fun and wonderful even now to see how all these kids have grown up.

Pauline Reiter, 1992-94…She was the first female president of HNT and remembers fielding questions about whether she was going to have to give up her businesses! During her tenure, a balanced budget was maintained and a ‘rainy day fund’ was established. She made it a point to attend morning minyan once a week and very much appreciated the support of Marc Boman and Fred Tobis.

Marc Boman, 1994-96…Continued growth and a desire to improve youth programming led to our hiring of Rabbi Lisa Gelber. We celebrated Cantor Kurland’s 10th anniversary with a lovely gala and hosted wonderful performances in our Cultural Arts program. We invested in technology and made improvements to the building and grounds. Large B’nai Mitzvah classes led to consideration of new policies. He feels honored to have served as president in such a dynamic period.

Fred Tobis, 1996-98…Led the committee to hire Rabbi Gelber and remembered being so impressed by the caliber of the applicants. The job had many challenges, interesting and varied moments especially the urgent call he got at home complaining that there were no Jewish Delis on the Eastside!

Craig Sternberg, 1998-2000…We had a balanced budget but also acquired, under duress, the adjacent property to assure our can retain its spiritual ambiance. He also remembers getting a call from the Cantor that the Social Hall was completely flooded and when he got here, all the clergy were mopping! Serving as a President of Herzl-Ner Tamid was one of his greatest honors.

Richard Du Bey, 2000-2002…He remembers the years as challenging yet it had many rewarding moments such as celebrating with the B’nai Mitzvah families, getting to know the staff and many members of the congregation. It’s difficult to balance work and family with the demands of being president of the congregation of this size but many volunteers helped to make it possible, as well as a patient wife and family!

L’Dor V’Dor ...A hundred more!