Friends:
It is my great pleasure to join this wonderful community as Executive Director for Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus. Indeed, this is a very special community that we are honored to be part of, and I am excited to build on the legacy of 80 years of success and innovation which are evident in every corner of our campus.
At a time like this, it may seem strange to be connected to a synagogue when so much of what traditionally takes place here happens in person. But I believe it has never been more important to be part of a kehilla kedosha – a holy community – and I know that perspective is shared by Rabbi Mario Rojzman, BTBRC President Jill Koch, and our professional and volunteer leadership teams. We’ve beautifully pivoted and pirouetted our communal opportunities into virtual experiences that keep us connected.
Together, we will continue to grow with each other, learn with each other, celebrate with each other, and comfort each other ad meah v’esrim – to 120 (and beyond).
I look forward to connecting with you and all the families that make up the wonderful mosaic of Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus and the Suzy Fischer Early Childhood Academy. It is ambitious, but my goal is to interact with all our families in some way over the next six months. Since my opportunity to engage with families in person is quite limited right now, I will be spending time on the phone with families and will also set up times on ZOOM where I can get to know small groups of families.
“Mondays with Matt” will be my time to get to know you and your family during an informal ZOOM get together. No RSVP is needed, just click on the link below to join at one of these times:
- Monday, January 11 at 1 p.m.
- Monday, January 18 at 5 p.m.
- Monday, January 25 at 8 p.m.
To join any of the sessions above, please click here. If requested, please use the passcode: MATT (case-sensitive).
More “Mondays with Matt” sessions will be scheduled and the dates will be distributed widely, so don’t fret if you are not available at these times. In addition, I will be setting up some ZOOM sessions focused on specific audiences; details about those sessions are forthcoming.
But you don’t need to wait for my call or a scheduled ZOOM session to contact me. I welcome the chance to get to know you and your family as we grow together, and learn together, and celebrate together, and offer comfort together. I can be reached at:
- Office – (305) 932-2829, x7834
- Mobile – (786) 566-3195 [available for voice calls, text messaging, or WhatsApp]
- E-mail – mhalpern@btbrc.org
At a time like this, being surrounded by and supported by our synagogue community has never been more important. I am honored to be part of this community and look forward to everything we will accomplish in the months and years ahead.
B’Yedidut (In Friendship),
Matt
