message-from-our-president-titleJanis Cohen, President

We’re re-energizing and looking forward to our 16th Lev Eisha year. As I begin my tenure as your president, I’m pondering this question: Why do you and I, and so many others feel so good at Lev Eisha Shabbat services and social events? It’s an important question, and I know that our answers can change over time. For Lev to continue to thrive, we have to know our current members, new members and visitors. So tell me your story – what attracted you to Lev in the first place, and what keeps you coming back?   Which friends will you bring along to share the joy?

Here’s the short version of my story: 16 years ago I was a busy single mom with Bar Mitzvah planning on the horizon. I was never interested in any type of all-woman groups. My life at that time was jam packed, with little room left for myself. But I could only give an emphatic YES to Rabbi August when she asked me to be part of the first Lev board.   I was hooked from the first gathering when our first president, Elaine Craig Segal, led our new group in an exercise to develop our Mission Statement: “Lev Eisha is a joyous group of Jewish women engaged in prayer, study, and spiritual growth.”

It’s not that I didn’t know women are amazing… I just couldn’t fathom how amazing! The bond, the energy, the safety, the strength, the learning, the spirit, the knowledge, insights, friendships, closeness, connections, empowerment, confidence, the interest, the feelings… the feeling of belonging that I now associate with our Lev Eisha.

Many of you were at the Lev Shabbat three years ago when Ken and I celebrated our Auf Ruf – the bride & groom’s Aliya prior to their wedding. Did you know that I met my beloved through Lev? It’s true – Ken and Elaine are cousins. I met Elaine at Lev, and I met Ken because of my friendship with Elaine.

I look forward to hearing your story – and I’m also looking forward to welcoming your friends to Lev. We are a happy, inclusive congregation, and I want us to grow and share our community with your friends.

The best way to grow & share:

  • Invite friends to join! Research shows that 90% of new members said they attended the first time because a friend invited them. Need validation of this? Just ask Myrna Kayton!

How to make visitors feel welcome:

  • Ask questions about them, and listen! Learn who they are and answer their questions. Introduce them to your friends and to others you think they may enjoy knowing.

Catch them before their quick escape!

  • Too often a visitor will make their quick escape out the front door right after the service is over. Catch them, and invite them to join you for our delicious lunch. It’s amazing how food eases tensions and encourages feelings of comfort and belonging.