Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Meade
COLORADO SPRINGS Changing the world may in fact mean leading a synagogue, providing the synagogue with vision, direction and leadership. It may mean continuing the legacy of past board leaders, maintaining and improving financial stability, increasing membership, and reaching out into the local community. It may involve shaping ones role in the organization, addressing plans for the future, and implementing strategic plans and initiatives.
At Temple Shaloms recent congregational meeting, the outgoing board of directors was acknowledged and the incoming board was approved by the congregation.
TRUDY Taxman is the new board president.
Taxman joined Temple Shalom in 1985 and was elected sisterhood president in 1992. She served on the temple board and was elected president, 2002-2004.
Taxman co-chaired the synagogues 40th anniversary gala.
She is a lifetime, active member of the Colorado Springs Chapter of Hadassah, served on the board and as president of with the Greenberg Center for Learning and Tolerance, served on the Board of Early Connections Education Centers, and chaired the Magic of Two fundraiser for Peak Education.
Taxman holds a BA in education from the University of Northern Colorado and a masters in education from CU. In her spare time, she enjoys competing in tennis tournaments, book club, and traveling.
AN important transition took place this past year with the change in the executive director position at Temple Shalom. Elayna Rathmann is the new executive director of Temple Shalom replacing Michele Campbell, who is the new executive director at Rodef Shalom in Denver.
Starting in 2007, Rathmann served as Temple Shaloms director of congregational learning and programming.
She grew up in Granger, Ind., where she attended Sinai Synagogue and the South Bend Hebrew Day School. She is a BBYO life member and former morah for the KIO Region.
Rathmanns pursued a career as an educator. She graduated from Indiana University, Bloomington with a BA in elementary education and minors in reading education and science instruction, K-8. She received her masters in education from UC-Berkeley.
Rathmann and her family moved to Colorado Springs in 2003. She became active in the Jewish community, taught in the Temple Shalom religious school and served on the Education and Membership committees.
In the recent leadership transition, Dan Mirer completed his third year as president of the Temple Shalom board, previously serving as treasurer for three years. He had also served as president of the mens club. He a business process analyst for the LSI Corp.
Mirer was presented with a Torah cover custom designed to honor his leadership of the synagogue.
EILEEN Levin was selected as education coordinator of Temple Shalom, filling the role previously held by Rathmann.
Levin holds a BA in education and a master in music education from the University of Nebraska. She taught in music education for over 25 years covering the span of ages from preschool through adult.
During the congregational meeting, Rabbi Mel Glazer was presented with a tree of life plaque in honor of the 40th anniversary of his rabbinate.
Individuals honored for serving on the Temple Shalom Board this past year include Perry Bach, Carrie Schillinger, Mary Simon, Jordana Land, Steve Edelman, Sharon Kushner, Michael Freeman, Brent Mellow, Alan Osur, Michelle Sikorski, Elliott Cohen, Rebecca Neff, and Joann Supperstein.
New board members include Howard Bartner, Carolyn Geiser and Carolyn Fox.
Copyrigh © 2014 by the Intermountain Jewish News
