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2015 (5776) President’s Speeches
Several people have asked to hear recordings of the speeches given by TRT President, Bob Dollinger. These recordings are available here
Thanks – and Remembering What Went Well
At his final Board meeting as the President of TRT, Brion Feinberg gave a short speech. This blog attempts to capture what he said (or intended to say). In these final weeks, I have received lots of wonderful, positive feedback. Thank you all for all the kind words and encouragement – they are truly appreciated. […]
Modeh Ani
[I participated in the TRT Yishar Koach program this year. This program allows congregants to celebrate the anniversary of their Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and use the opportunity to re-examine how their Jewish identity has changed since then. The following words are from the introduction I gave before leading the congregation in reciting the Modeh Ani prayer.]
As you may have noticed, our next prayer is from the morning service. Let me tell you why I asked if I could lead this prayer tonight.
Several years ago, I started attending our informal Saturday morning minyan services. I can’t even recall how I first discovered this wonderful jewel of a service. They are short and always involve an interesting discussion of the weekly Torah portion. But more importantly, they are informal. I found that I just loved something about coming to temple and praying in jeans and sneakers. Praying didn’t have to be something I had to dress up for. Or felt obligated to do. Coming to minyan service is something that I want to do, for me. Not for any obligation I feel. But because I want to be there.
Yishar Koach
[I participated in the TRT Yishar Koach program this year. This program allows congregants to celebrate the anniversary of their Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and use the opportunity to re-examine how their Jewish identity has changed since then. The following words are from min-sermon I delivered during the service.]
I remember, like it was yesterday, being a teenager and, with total certainty, knowing that I knew it all. And I remember my parents telling me “you have so much more to learn.” But of course, given that I already thought I knew everything, I figured that they were wrong about this also. Now, on my anniversary of being 13 again, I have to admit – I was wrong. If I knew everything then, how could I possibly explain everything that I have learned since then?
Temple Marketing Advice
In my “real” life, I provide marketing and strategic planning for technology companies. Here are some ideas and suggestions, based on my professional experience, that I believe may also improve our ability to market our temples. You have to sell what the customer wants to buy Many families thinking about joining a congregation are […]
Scheidt Seminar Was Fantastic
The Scheidt Seminar was fantastic. The information was extremely helpful. But it was so much more than that. There was something special and magical, far beyond just the mechanics of learning together how to better lead a synagogue. We spent the full day on Friday working together with other presidents running similar sized temples. By late afternoon, we were friends, and we enjoyed sharing our stories and ideas with each other.
And then it was Shabbat …
