PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

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On Sunday, March 16, Havurah celebrated our Purim Brunch chaired by Alice Shabel, followed by our Havurah Annual Meeting. The following slate of officers and directors for 2025-2026 were duly elected:

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Co-Presidents: Barbara Hamm and Debbie Gretsky,

Treasurer, Lynn Druckman,

Secretary, Rich Schlesinger,

Membership Director, Les Stellman.

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David Smoler will continue on the Board as Member At-Large, and

Yetta Dritch, as immediate Past President, is recognized as President Ex-Officio.

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The following "State of Havurah" message was given by Co-President Debbie Gretsky.

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“STATE OF HAVURAH”

As we look at the state of Havurah, we currently have 47 paid members for 2025-2026 and $4528.43 in our bank account.  We are still following up with past members for renewal.

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2024-2025 has been my second year as president of Havurah – this year with co-president, Yetta Dritch.  It has been another challenging year for Havurah.

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We were already feeling the resistance of members to volunteer to help, so we were conservative in scheduling events for the year but were still able to keep many of our traditional events.

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We started with a successful summer movie night, celebrated together for Break-the-fast for Yom Kippur (tried out catering by The Views), enjoyed one of our famous brunches in November organized by Yetta Dritch, and celebrated Hanukkah together with holiday treats and singing, inspired by Barbara Hamm.  Our Book Club flourished under the leadership of Renee Grills with ongoing monthly discussion meetings.  We have been dining out together almost monthly.  We took a group of 30 members to the Gaslight Theatre for a show.  For the first time, we replaced our traditional membership dinner with a luncheon highlighting our Jewish deli tradition, chaired by Yetta, and featuring a presentation on Jewish Genealogy by Rich Schlesinger.  Due to the interest he inspired, Rich is planning a beginners’ class in Jewish Genealogy for our members.

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In addition, we can be proud that we met our annual tzedakah commitment to Mitzvah Magic with the leadership of Barbara Hamm.

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Together with our Webmaster, David Smoler, our website HAPPENINGS page was updated monthly with events and news, and member pages were kept current.  Communications via email were sent on a timely basis. 

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Everything I have touched on here was made possible by the commitment of our current Board of Directors.  I want to thank you all personally for being the heart of Havurah this past year.  Yetta Dritch, (enjoying an adventure in Japan), Rich Schlesinger, Vice President; Barbara Hamm, Secretary; Lynn Druckman, Treasurer; and David Smoler, Membership Director. 

       

And THANK YOU ALSO TO OUR dedicated volunteers who worked on the events and were there when we counted on them.

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But changes definitely have been coming to Havurah.  That group of members who have always made things happen, as well as the members who attend Havurah events, has been getting smaller and smaller.  Basically, all the same people worked on all the events this year, and they are not willing or able to keep up the same level of activity.  In addition, new members and volunteers have not become active in their place. 

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We are exceptionally lucky to be planning a seder due to the initiative of Yetta Dritch and the invitation from The Country Club of LaCholla. 

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So when it came to nominating officers and directors for the 2025-2026 Havurah Board, we did not find new people willing to commit to leadership in the upcoming year.  We have talked to members, we have advertised for volunteers, we have called on our members to express interest. 

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We welcome Les Stellman to the new Board as Membership Director.  As one of Havurah’s newest members in the past year, Les will bring new ideas and leadership to Havurah.  Thank you, Les.

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Since no one else was willing to step up to a leadership role, the members of our current board have renewed our commitment to the future of Havurah.  Barbara Hamm agreed to join me as co-president, Rich Schlesinger will continue as an officer, taking the Secretary position; and Lynn Druckman continues as our Treasurer.  Yetta continues as President Ex-Officio and David Smoler will continue in a new position – Member at Large.

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The new Board will not only plan for next year but will also determine the future of Havurah.  We are challenged to find opportunities to get together socially, celebrate Jewish holidays and come up with new ideas that take into consideration the reality of what a few volunteers are able to do. 

Your ideas are welcome, and WE ENTHUSIASTICALLY INVITE YOU TO JOIN US! 

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