KA CC Archive Jan 2025

Shalom, Kol Ami!

I am excited to announce that Kol Ami has hired Ross Ruffkess as our full-time Administrative Assistant. Ross has been helping in the Front Office on an intermediate basis for the past six months, and he has performed beyond our expectations.  Please welcome Ross the next time you stop by the synagogue.

With the upcoming retirement of Mitch Weiss, we will begin a search for his successor at the end of this month, with plans to have someone in place by May or June. Over the summer, I seated an Ad-Hoc Committee to review the needs of the synagogue pertaining to the Front Office. The Committee recommended, and the Board approved the following two positions: a full-time Director of Operations and a part-time Membership Engagement Director. The Director of Operations will serve as the chief administrative officer for Congregation Kol Ami and will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the synagogue, ensuring it runs efficiently and effectively, and in compliance with all state and federal regulations. The Membership Engagement Director will collaborate with Kol Ami clergy, staff, and lay leadership to create, implement, support and strategically utilize initiatives and programs as an opportunity to strengthen and build connections among members, both potential and existing.  The primary focus of this position is membership engagement, retention, and recruitment. This staff structure supports our new Relational Judaism model, and we are excited to begin this new chapter. Please contact me with any questions.

Also, we have been promoting our Annual Synagogue Fundraiser, a cherished tradition that brings our community together in celebration, gratitude, and generosity. The theme this year is Tailgating, and our event will take place this Saturday, January 11^th at 7 PM at Kol Ami. We appreciate all who have sponsored the event and those who have donated to support our efforts. 

The Annual Fundraiser is a vital opportunity to sustain and grow the programs and services that make our synagogue a cornerstone of spiritual, cultural, and educational life. I look forward to seeing you at the Tailgate for delicious cuisine, dancing, a live auction and a chance to build relationships with your fellow congregants. Your generosity and involvement are the heart of our synagogue’s success. Together, we can continue to build a vibrant and welcoming community for generations to come. A special thank you to our Fundraising Committee for all their dedication and hard work preparing and volunteering for our great event.

B’ Shalom,
Kevin Cross

President