Thursday, June 17, 2010

Epilouge Try a Little Tenderness


After some minor drama, voting and wating for the count. The election results are in...

I was elected to the board!

What have I done!...lol




"Ba’ruch Ah’tah Ah’doh’nai Eh’lo’hay’nu Melech ha’o’lam ha’notayn la’ya’ef koach."
"Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who gives strength to the weary."
"Try A Little Tenderness"
She may be weary ...Women do get weary...
ok a bit weary,
First the interesting/positive news
I have been nominated to serve on my Synagogue's Board. Me, the Jew By Choice, Jew of only two years plus, on the board?I think this has been a lovely compliment that the nominating committee has asked me. The process was comprehensive. First I was asked if I would like to be considered, then I filled out a questionnaire and lastly I went in for an interview with the nominating committee.
A letter was then sent to the entire synagogue community with the entire slate.
but then a glitch....The not so good news
Someone has put in a petition to run for the 2 year position, meaning there are now four people and three positions. This is highly unusual, in fact most folks believe it has only happened once before. When I was told about this event, I was also re-assured it wasn't about me. Despite this reassurance, I do feel vulnerable for all the obvious reasons. I am told it has to do with some other political situation. But now what had been a beautiful surprise and an honor has turned into something else. At every Shabbat since this new turn of events, folks in the know come up to me and say with a concerned expression make sure you get folks to the meeting etc...
I have talked to a few friends about coming to vote, but also have decided not to go crazy over this. It was an honor to be considered, and if I don't make it this year I plan on being around a while! I want what is best for our community, fighting and making camps of voters is not good for the community. I believe that would be a version of Lashon hara. I will not speak about things I do not absolutely know to be true or speak words that can cause our community to break. It is not me. I believe my aspirations are clean. When I was asked to serve I thought this was a way to give back to my chosen religious home some of what I have received.
Despite my resolve to be centered and calm I am nervous. In three or so hours I will first show up for evening prayers, attempt to center myself, and then be fully present for the meeting. It is out of my hands, what will be, will be.
Posted by Dunking Rachel at 3:00 PM

6 comments:

Lars Shalom said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Well, how strange. I too have been, through a number of happy accidents, elevated to a position I had no idea I was going to be in so early on in my Jewish 'career'.

I also experienced a little bit of politicking along the way, but somehow have managed to swerve that one.

I wish you luck in your endeavours and I am sure that if it's meant to be, you will be on the Board very soon.. And if not now, in the coming years.

I am absolutely daunted by the prospect, but also very excited. What a great opportunity to learn how things work.

rachel

Karen Zampa Katz said...

thanks!

What a short strang trip its been!

Unknown said...

As a lapsed Jew, I find that the best source of information about Judaism is a friend of mine who converted. You have to be very dedicated to go through the process, so I couldn't think of any reason why someone who converted would not make an excellent addition to a synagogue board. Congratulations!

Karen Zampa Katz said...

Dena,

thank you....your kind words are helpful as I move forward!

(Ken) said...

Yasher Koach

Dunking Rachael

Love, Faith and Life