2023 to 2024 ANNUAL REPORT Temple Solel Temple Solel 6805 East McDonald Drive Paradise Valley, Arizona 85253480.991.7414 www.templesolel.org
Agenda 1. Opening Song - Todd Herzog 2. Welcome and Call to Order - Eve Danoff 3. D’var Torah - Rabbi Stiel 4. Education Report - Blake Lewkowitz 5. Approval of 2023 Minutes - 6. Approval of Board Slate - 7. President’s Remarks - Eve Danoff 8. Executive Director’s Remarks - Peter Pishko 9. Budget - Phil Hawkes, Treasurer 10. Call for a Vote - 11. Endowment Foundation Report- Scott Cohen 12. Closing Benediction - Rabbi Linder 13. Closing Song - Todd Herzog Please join us on Friday night, May 3, 2024 at 6:15 pm services for Temple Solel Board Installation. Temple Solel 2024 Annual Meeting Sunday April 28, 2024
President’s Message Good Morning and Happy Pesach! I am deeply honored to begin my second year as president of Temple Solel’s board of trustees. I love this congregation for so many reasons, and I am proud and humbled to be a steward of our sacred community. Thank you for your trust. First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge the extraordinary dedication and hard work of our exceptional staff. To Rabbi Linder, Rabbi Stiel, Todd Herzog, Peter Pishko, Tobee Waxenberg, Linda Irish and the entire staff for their tireless efforts that have truly made a difference in our Temple Solel experience. You have poured your hearts and souls into creating a welcoming and sacred space for all who walk through our doors. I would also like to express my deep appreciation for my fellow trustees. I joined the board 5 years ago and it has been a genuine pleasure serving on our board with each of our special board members and our talented clergy and staff. This is a very important time for Temple Solel as we celebrate Rabbi Linder’s amazing leadership as our longtime senior rabbi and begin the process of searching for our next senior rabbi. We are also celebrating the tenure and commitment of our wonderful and dedicated Tobee Waxenberg as we welcome our new Raker Religious School Director, Andrea Eisen. I also extend gratitude to each of you, our valued members, who make up this sacred community. This past year you have been supportive, kind, grateful, gracious and appreciative throughout my first year as President. Robert and I joined Solel 22 years ago. Our boys now 22 and 24 benefited greatly from their religious education and the incredible friends we have made through our synagogue. We were so happy to see our oldest grandson and now his younger brother flourish at the Solel Preschool. Solel has always been a second home to us and joining the temple’s leadership ranks was a natural extension of other volunteer opportunities I was already pursuing.
President’s Message Continued In March, I was fortunate to attend the URJ’s Scheidt Seminar for congregational presidents, a weekend-long retreat held at a suburban conference center outside Atlanta, GA. I met 85 other participants who traveled from congregations throughout North America. I also met members of the URJ staff and immediately felt their warmth. Throughout the weekend we bonded as Jews and as presidents, sharing the similarities in our lives and our congregations. I was grateful for the many sacred connections I’d made and I embraced each one of them. Like many others in my Scheidt community I returned home more confident, empowered and energized to lead my congregation, which I now understand is an essential link the America’s Reform Movement. We have a wonderful community. We can only generate enough energy to move forward with your attendance, engagement, and participation. Which is why I look forward to a fulfilling year ahead full of dynamic programs, memorable gatherings, exiting opportunities and positive changes. Being part of a healthy, thriving synagogue always feels wonderful. During these turbulent times in the world and the troubles with Israel, it is especially meaningful for our congregation to be a valued beacon of hope and spiritual connections. Today we will elect new board members. The board reflects leadership across various demographics, backgrounds and talents. I also want to thank our outgoing Board of Trustee Members Phylis Bolno, Gary Horowitz and Neil Motzkin for their leadership and service. I am fully committed to working collaboratively with everyone– congregants, our dedicated staff and clergy– pursue purpose, meaning, connection and joy. Temple Solel is truly special, and I am thrilled to part of our ongoing collective effort to help this congregation realize its enormous potential. Eve Danof Board President
Temple Solel Board of Trustees 2024-25 Slate of Candidates Nominated candidates to begin a two-year term: Reva Steinberg Joanna Goldenberg Temple Solel Board of Trustees President - Eve Danoff Executive Vice President - Jennet Kirkpatrick Secretary - Laura Miller Treasurer - Phil Hawkes Development Vice President - Perry Simons Education Vice President - Blake Lewkowitz Facilities and Security Vice President - Leon Gavartin
Returning to the Board David Greenbaum Andy Greenfield Mandana Zerbib Paul Bakerman Madeline Berg Risa Jacobson Mike Yudell Dottie Braun-Cohen Stephanie Cherny Madeline Berg Retiring from the board Phylis Bolno Gary Horowitz Neil Motzkin
Thursday, May 4, 2023 6:00 p.m. in person Opening Song—Cantorial Soloist Todd Herzog D’var Torah—Rabbi Debbie Stiel Welcome and Call to Order—Rae Rader, President Rae announced that the Board of Trustees had met and approved a motion that 43 would count as a quorum for this meeting only. She welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 6:30. YEFEI—Rachel O'Connor Rachel thanked everyone who was involved with YEFEI, discussed its goals and milestones, and listed the top five engagement and top five education ideas to implement. Approval of Minutes A motion to approve the 2022 Temple Solel Annual Meeting minutes was introduced. Avery Crossman moved and Fran Lamden seconded the motion. The motion carried. Temple Solel Board of Trustees 2023 Slate of Candidates David Greenbaum, Andy Greenfield, Mandana Zerbib, Paul Bakerman, Rachel Stratton-Mills Retiring from the Board of Trustees: Doreen Feldberg, Becky Lieberman, Rae Rader Executive Committee: President: Eve Danoff Executive Vice President: Jennet Kirkpatrick Vice President—Development: Perry Simons Vice President—Education: Blake Lewkowitz Vice President—Facilities and Security: Leon Gavartin Vice President—Membership: Phylis Bolno Executive Secretary: Laura Miller Treasurer: Phil Hawkes Returning to the Board: Risa Jacobson, Madeleine Berg, Dottie Braun Cohen, Stephanie Cherny, Neil Motzkin, Mike Yudell A motion was made by Sandy Barkov and seconded by Erica Bonime to approve the slate of the Temple Solel Board of Trustees and Officers. The motion was approved by acclamation. Temple Solel 2023 Annual Meeting Minutes
President’s Remarks—Rae Rader Rae provided an overview of the past year as outlined in the President’s Message attached to these minutes. Executive Director’s Remarks—Peter Pishko Peter thanked Rae for her service and noted that we did achieve a quorum of 50 members. He reported that we currently have 540 member family units. We had a very successful annual campaign. We donated 3,876 lbs. of food from the high holidays food drive. Raker had a successful year, with 193 students enrolled, 12 confirmation students, 11 consecration students, and 22 b’nai mitzvah students. The preschool has 195 students and 148 campers enrolled. Peter mentioned Solelebration, and then thanked the members of the senior staff and admin team. Harlan Crossman Award Avery Crossman awarded the Harlan Crossman Award to Nelson Lerner (z''l), which was accepted by his wife Lisa Lerner. Approval of the 2022-2023 Budget—Phil Hawkes Phil presented the budget. A motion was made by Dick Lamden and seconded by Mike Schaffert to approve the budget as presented. The motion carried. Endowment Foundation—Robert Siamon Robert explained the purpose of the Endowment Foundation and how it works. He reported the value is $1.5 million. He introduced the 2023 Board of Directors and announced that the foundation is making a $69,500 gift to Solel for 2023. Closing Benediction—Rabbi John Linder Closing Song—Cantorial Soloist Todd Herzog The meeting adjourned at 7:13 p.m. Minutes prepared by Risa Jacobson, Executive Secretary Temple Solel 2023 Annual Meeting Minutes
Reva Steinberg grew up in Brooklyn, New York. After graduating from Brooklyn College with a B.S. in Mathematics, she received an M.S. in accounting from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. She spent the next 40 years as an auditor in pubic accounting. At one point in her career, she was involved in the audit of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and most of its funded agencies. Reva has served on several professional rule making committees including the Accounting Standards Executive Committee and the Executive Ethics Committee of the American Institute of Public Accounting. She also has participated in many non-profit boards including the Jewish Family and Children’s Services of West Palm Beach. While living in Philadelphia, she served on the Allocations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, as well as its Women’s Board. After retiring as a partner from BDO, a large international accounting firm, Reva and her husband, Charles Stern, spent 10 years in Scottsdale as snowbirds from Chicago Il. From time to time, they attended services and other programs at Temple Solel. Impressed by its commitment to the principles of Judaism and its warm and welcoming community, they joined the Temple in 2020 when they moved permanently to Scottsdale. Since becoming members of Solel, Reva and her husband have taken advantage of the many activities the Temple has to offer. As a life longer learner, she participated in the American Scripture Project led by Rabbi Linder, attends Saturday morning Torah Study, and is studying Mussar with Rabbi Stiel. She is in the Solel book club and is helping the revive the Solel movie group. Reva also is a student in the 2025 B’nai Mitzvah class. Growing up in a conservative Jewish environment, she was “bat mitzvahed,” but never given the opportunity to read from the Torah. She is very much looking forward to this honor at Temple Solel. REVA B. STEINBERG Trustee Bios
Trustee Bios (continued) Joanna Goldenberg brings a wealth of dedication and community spirit to her involvement with Temple Solel. Since becoming a member in August 2023, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to the values and mission of our congregation. Joanna is deeply involved in various aspects of Temple Solel's community life. As a devoted mother, she has been an active participant in our educational programs, with both of her sons attending the Solel Preschool and currently enrolled in the Raker Religious School. Her engagement with the religious education of her children reflects her passion for passing down Jewish traditions and values to the next generation. Beyond her role as a parent, Joanna has been an enthusiastic supporter of Temple Solel's initiatives and events. Her warm presence and willingness to lend a helping hand have made her a cherished member of our community. Whether it's volunteering for fundraisers, participating in social events, or contributing her time and expertise to various committees, Joanna's dedication shines through in everything she does. Joanna is supported in her endeavors by her loving husband, David, who shares her commitment to Temple Solel's mission. Together, they embody the spirit of family and community that lies at the heart of our congregation. In all her involvement with Temple Solel, Joanna Goldenberg continues to serve as a vital link between our community and its members. Her leadership, empathy, and tireless efforts to strengthen our community make her a valuable asset to our congregation. We are grateful to have Joanna Goldenberg as a trusted leader and advocate for Temple Solel, and we look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make in the years to come! JOANNA GOLDENBERG
Budget Sheet * Membership Dues Notes for FY-25 Budget Membership dues reflect a 3% dues increase Security fee remains at $150 Payment with credit card will still incur the 3% process fee charged to Temple Solel
Raker Religious School Staff Roster 2023-24 Raker teachers Susie Miller Alla Shnitman Arielle Nelson Mason Marks Vicki Miles Maryn Herberg Natalie Waxenberg Barbara Friedman Rabbi Erica Burech Kerry Taylor Herzog Andrea Eisen Allison Collins Hannah Novick Jesse Edwards Lauren Mishlove Hebrew teachers Ayelet Blit Moshe Blenkitni Allison Collins Andrea Eisen Natalie Waxenberg
Solel Preschool Staff Roster 2023-24 Cherie Adelman Columba Alcantar Marla Bailey Christine Beckner Candee Brierley Nikki Brookstein Georgia Clark Tali Cohen Patti Feld Kamryn Friend Caryn Frank Betsy Franklin Greer Ginis Robyn Ginis Edith Grensky Susan Griffin Linda Irish Judy Isaac Lauren Kaiser Jerri Kelly Vanessa King Sara Lonardo Ivy Lesser Marice Levy Nancy Linder Aria Mamber Hollie Margarella Jessica Millea Jill Miller Susie Miller Hannah Novick Katie Ordaz Yesenia Osorio Yesenia Osorio Roisin Owens Angelica Pino Sonya Placencia Sandra Phillips Michelle Rosenbloom Erin Rubin Deborah Shanahan Alla Shnitman Lindsay Shugar Robin Shugar Jackie Siamon Sherri Silver Barbara Smith Madison Thein Brittin Thompson Kierra Williams Hanna Wood
Consecration Elia Bruno Blake Glickstein Cosmo Horowitz Noa Kanaan Jack Lehan Isaac Levi Vivi Lieberman Olivia Megdal Sawyer O'Connor Kate Reading Ruth Scharff-Bendor Jake Sirota William Turbow Orion Horowitz B’nai Mitzvot Alexa Horowitz Celebrated Max Greenblatt Avery Greenfield Myla Stone Mateo Piccione Madalyn Gressel Lily Sawdaye Sienna Shuster Daniel Chow Max Popp Sean Weinshel Max Mininberg Arabelle Cherny Eli Lawton Maxwell Running Naomi Sabraw Lillian Bernstein Ivy Superfon Zoe Lieberman Lola Hampton Anabelle Pasternak Confirmation Class of 2023 Sasha Ambroson Ben Cherny Miles Chovnick Olivia Goldenberg Stanley Kowitz Kyla Tucker
Aronofsky, Allan & Suzanne Ball, Geoffrey and Katie Beller, Michael & Courtney Blankenheimer, Aaron & Sarah Bruno, Vincent & Sabin, Aliza Cavalluzzi, Ronnie Charlesworth, Diana & Tristan Chervin, Sara Cohen, Alex & Romit Cooper, Richard & Stacy Coppe, Martin Dicker, Brandi & Jeremy Dickman, Curtis & Celeste Frankel, Joani Galbut, Martin & Cynthia Gendler, Alan & Toni Glickstein, Lisa & Lee Goldenberg, David & Joanna Handler, Tamara & Philip Herberg, Maryn Herlinger, Beth & Nir Hoffman, Daniel & Stephanie Hyams, Jenni & Jason Isiogu, Chi & Matthew Keim, Gerry Welcome to our New Members! Komen, Matt & Robyn Kozinn, Stuart & Jill Lazar, Andrea Lehan, Jen & Ben Luft, Amanda & Noam Melville, Alexia & Jone, Joshua Noll, Irina & Walter Owens, John & Haleigh Raz, Dannah & Kanaan, Erez Reading, Ilyssa & Michael Riseman, Jay Rosenblum, Scott Rozenfeld, David & Barbara Schwietzer, Aviv & Paulina Sherman, Susie & David Simons, Alexandra & Lownds, Kyle Stillman, Mitchell & Debbie Stone, Randy Turbow, Geoffrey & Schneider, Kerri Wachinski, Daniel & Teresa Weinstein, Robert & Katherine Weisberg, Richard & Sheryl Wells, Andrew & Jennifer Zellman, Glenn & Hektor, Doris
How do members describe the Jewish Community at Temple Solel? It’s their religious home, a place to congregate and to meet like-minded people. It’s where history and tradition create a tapestry of memories, a place where service and fun weave a blanket of special moments. The sacred community of Temple Solel embodies all that is Jewish and much more. But you may ask yourself, how do we preserve such a masterpiece of Jewish belonging for our children, our grandchildren and the generations to come? There must be a way to preserve its history, integrity, and the legacy of our Jewish faith. There are a few options, but one that exists with its entire purpose of being dedicated to this preservation is The Temple Solel Endowment Foundation. The mission of The Foundation is to raise money to preserve our beloved temple and enrich its integrity for generations to come. The Temple Solel Endowment Foundation provides members with versatile gift options that fit your personal philanthropic and financial goals as they change throughout your life. Our investment options are above and beyond what the Temple is designed to manage. A gift directly to the Temple helps ensure our ability to enhance and grow annual activities, programs and operational needs not covered by membership fees.
A gift to the Temple Solel Endowment Foundation provides avenues for members to invest in the sustainability and legacy of the Temple for today AND tomorrow. These gifts can be multiyear pledges, be in the form of financial assets like stocks and/or be part of your estate plans. The Foundation has a formal (and transparent) structure of bylaws and policies all governed by a board of 13 Temple Solel members to ensure your generosity is stewarded with the utmost care and consideration. It provides Temple Solel with annual distributions from the endowment and donor directed distributions from funds dedicated to programs, scholarships, etc. The Foundation directors oversee the investment of your gifts through Morgan Stanely and The Center for Jewish Philanthropy. As you consider your family’s goals for its philanthropic impact today - and your legacy of impact for future generations - we encourage and invite you to learn about how the Temple Solel Endowment Foundation can help you achieve those aspirations. If you have questions, feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 602-628-8705. Robert Siamon, Temple Solel Endowment Foundation President, or any of our Endowment directors. Robert Siamon Endowment Foundation President
Temple Solel 2023-24 Highlights Solel Broadway Concert with Opera Company Solel Preschool Pre-K Graduation Temple Sole Adult B’nai Mitzvah Second Night Passover Seder Temple Solel Women's Seder Temple Solel Caring Community High Holy Day Services Adult Education Meditation Lunch and Learn Torah Study Solel Young Adults Vodka Latke Rosh Chodesh Men of Solel Happy Hour Shabbat Shira with Cantorial Soloist Todd Herzog and the band Chic Boutique Tot Shabbat Book Club Movie Club Knitting Club Mah Jongg Family Promise College Connections Artist in Residence with Jacob “Spike” Kraus
NOTES
Temple Solel 6805 East McDonald Drive Paradise Valley, Arizona 85253 480.991.7414 l www.templesolel.org Temple Solel of Paradise Valley l @templesolelaz