Yom Kippur Appeal 5785

Yom Kippur Appeal 5785
President Jon May

Good evening. Welcome to all of you—whether you are here in person or experiencing our services on cable or live stream. I am so honored to be with you all and to serve this congregation.

I’m a Central lifer. I have been coming to Central since I was a third grader. In fact, I’m the first President who became Bar Mitzvah here. I still remember my mother telling me to stand up straight and speak louder. So, if I start yelling, it’s because my mother’s voice is still in my head!

I have sat through many presidential appeals, so it’s surreal to be on this side of the podium. As a sarcastic teen, I would listen to the president and think the same thing: “we are all tired and hungry, so why don’t you just say: “you know why I’m here—Central is great— please give— thank you very much” and then just sit down. Well…now it’s my big chance…I’m the one up here so…Apologies to my teenage self…but I can’t do that!

I want to share something that doesn’t make me feel very proud. I took Central for granted for a long time. In fact, it wasn’t until a few years after I got married, and my wife began to consider converting, that I had my AHA! moment. Seeing her response to Central’s version of Reform Judaism greatly impacted me. A Judaism that is unapologetic, modern, and authentic. A Judaism that is accepting and welcoming. The kind of Judaism that is needed now more than ever.

Central has no doubt been flourishing, and there are many reasons for that: our incredible clergy; the spectacular sanctuary; the uplifting music and worship experience; our first-class nursery and religious schools; and our stimulating and relevant programming are just a few of those reasons. But I believe it goes beyond those things. It is something intangible. My wife and I were watching a documentary about dogs—I know—it’s quite a life we live— and it outlined a theory to explain why dogs have not only survived but thrived as they evolved. Dogs learned that being nice to humans was the best way to co-exist with humans. So, instead of survival of the fittest, it’s survival of the friendliest. This theory really struck me as exactly the key to Central’s success.

I heard some anecdotal evidence to support the “survival of the friendliest” phenomenon when attending a pre-neg reception for new members. I asked several why they joined Central. They told me touching stories about the care and warmth of our congregants. One woman shared that she had been going through a difficult time, and someone had suggested that it might be comforting to attend Central’s Friday night Shabbat service. The music and prayer service greatly affected her, and she began sobbing. Several members came over to console her and to invite her to Shabbat dinner. She was overwhelmed by their kindness and felt compelled to join the community.

This past year, more than ever, we all sought Central’s comfort, guidance and strength. Our worlds were shattered by the horrific events of October 7^th. The resulting war and surging antisemitism throughout the world, and close to home, left us confused, scared and horrified. While the world seemed to be burning around us, Central proved to be more vital to our lives than ever before, and quickly pivoted to provide for the needs of the community.

First, Central focused on its most important mission—being our spiritual home. Our sanctuary has never been more crowded on Friday nights— if you haven’t experienced it, put Friday 6:00 pm on your calendar. Our religious and nursery school enrollments have soared; multitudes of people have studied Judaism and chosen to convert at our Center for Exploring Judaism, and our many volunteers continue the incredible and varied work of Tikkun Olam.

We also craved information and analysis—so Central provided that through informative and timely speakers and forums. We wanted to know ways we could get involved, so Central organized dozens of events; including arranging for us to participate in the March for Israel in Washington back in November.

And of course, we wanted to feel safe—so Central invested even more in security—making sure we have the right staff and procedures every day of the week.

None of this is possible without the incredible generosity of all of you. The Yom Kippur Appeal accounts for over one-third of our operating budget. First, I’d like to thank our ever-growing virtual community—I’m looking at you Bogota, Houston and Berlin. And we are praying for you if you live or have family anywhere in the South suffering through the horrendous devastation from the recent hurricanes. Last year a record number of you made such moving pledges to Central. We are all so honored you’ve chosen to join us, not only for the High Holidays, but also for Shabbat and other programs. Our clergy and staff thank you, our board thanks you, and especially, in a year when solidarity is everything, we sincerely hope you will consider supporting us again, or beginning a new tradition of participation this year.

And to our members, my words are simply not adequate enough to thank you. Time and again you have stepped up, and we are counting on you to do so again—knowing how necessary and how valued you are to keep everything here excellent, vibrant, creative and secure. In a year we never wanted to see—with hatred against Jews seeming to gain traction and momentum—our Central home stands immovable and proud because of all of you.

I have never been prouder of what Central offers—a joyful, inclusive and authentic Judaism that lifts us all up and anchors us when we’re unsteady. Please think about how Central supported you over the past year— whether it was in response to the horrors of the world, being there in a time of personal need or mourning; or helping to make a family celebration all the more meaningful. Central is always supporting us, and you have always supported Central. I ask that you continue to do so in these times when Central means more than ever.

Finally, if you will allow, one personal note. I am wearing a green tie to remember my grandmother, Shirley. It was her favorite color. After my grandfather passed, Shirley moved back into the city. She loved everything about Central. I know that seeing me up here would both amuse her and make her very proud. Shirley—girl, I know you’re watching somewhere, and I love you.

Thank you all in advance for your generosity and support. It is my privilege to serve as this congregation’s president and I hope to see as many of you as possible over these holidays and throughout the year. I wish each of you and your families a year of sweetness, health and peace. Shana Tova.