June 2026 

 

 

 

It’s June, and we've already passed several important milestones together: the start of summer, our Annual Meeting, and the election of a new Board of Directors.

It is with both great pride and genuine humility that I have accepted the Board’s nomination to serve as the next President of JCO. My motivation was simple: to help build upon the remarkable foundation Debe created over the past four years. Fortunately for all of us, she isn’t going very far. As President Emerita, she has already been an invaluable source of guidance, encouragement, and wisdom.

I would also like to thank those whose Board service has recently concluded: Ira Levin, David Cohn, Michele Edelman, Barbara Nelson (z”l), and Larry Steingold. Their dedication has helped shape the community we enjoy today.

Please join me in welcoming our returning Board members: Ryan Firestone, who has been elected Vice President; Dave Wertlieb, Treasurer; DeeDee Dorskind; Ethan Glazer; Stephanie Goldie-Brasacchio; and Tony Hirsch. We are also pleased to welcome new Board members Louise Winheld, who will serve as Secretary; Sheila Cohn; Laurel Felice; and Terry Merrin.

Together, I believe we have an outstanding group of leaders who care deeply about the future of JCO.

When I shared my goals for Board service, I identified four priorities: growing our membership, particularly among younger families; strengthening committee engagement and participation; enhancing JCO’s financial foundation through donor development; and creating a dedicated building maintenance fund to help preserve and improve our aging facility. These are important long-term investments in our future, and we will keep you informed about our progress and the many ways you can become involved.

I’m also pleased to share some exciting news regarding our California State Nonprofit Security Grant. After a long process, we have finally received approval to move forward. Work is already underway to secure bids and contracts before the project deadline of December 31st of this year. As our campus will also be very busy with events through the end of the year, we thank you in advance for your understanding and any inconvenience.

The grant will fund upgraded security cameras, a monitored alarm system, improvements to doors and locks, enhanced protection for our sacred Torah scrolls, and fencing improvements around the property, including automatic entry gates. One of the most visible benefits will be the presence of security personnel at JCO events. Many of you already know Officer Jeff, and you'll be seeing more of him as we continue our efforts to keep our community safe and secure.

We also want to say Mazel Tov to our Torah School students as they celebrate the culmination of their school year on June 7. Their enthusiasm is exciting to see and it’s been wonderful to watch them grow this year. Todah Rabah to our wonderful Morah Haley! We are currently taking pre-applications for the 2026–27 Torah School year which will begin on Sunday, August 16.

June is also filled with opportunities to connect and participate. On June 5, we gather for our annual Shabbat Under the Stars at the home of Jeff and Wendy Weinstein. Be sure to register online for location details and potluck information. Other events this month include the Red Tent on June 7, Cantor Mitzi’s Torah From a Woman’s Perspective on June 12, our Men’s Club gathering on June 18, and Book Club on June 25.

I would especially encourage everyone to attend an important community safety training on Sunday, June 14, beginning at 12:30 p.m. The Community Security Initiative (CSI) of the Jewish Federation will return to JCO to present two valuable programs: Community Awareness Training and Surviving Active Threats. Each session lasts approximately 90 minutes and provides practical information that can benefit all of us. Refreshments will be served, and we hope to see a strong turnout. Please register through the JCO website.

There is so much to discover, learn, and celebrate together in the months ahead. JCO continues to grow not only through programs and events, but through the relationships we build with one another. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this congregation and look forward to working alongside all of you as we continue building a strong and vibrant Jewish community.

B'Shalom,

Rick