Listening. Learning. Taking Action.
As we prepare to welcome the year 5787, many of us take time to reflect on the past year and think about what we hope to carry into the year ahead. The High Holy Days invite us to pause, reflect, learn and recommit to becoming our best selves.
Over the past several months, your Board has been doing exactly that.
This spring, more than 200 members participated in KBI’s Congregational Satisfaction Survey. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences, ideas and hopes for our congregation. Your responses have helped us gain a better understanding of our community’s needs and aspirations.
The survey provided an opportunity to reflect on where we are today, where we can grow, and how we can continue to build the congregation we all want KBI to be.
The Board carefully reviewed the feedback and identified several themes that will guide our work in the coming year. Members asked for greater understanding of Board priorities and decision-making processes, more opportunities to connect with lay leadership, clearer communication regarding KBI’s governance and financial priorities, and ongoing opportunities to share ideas and feedback. We heard that trust is built through consistent action, honesty and follow-through. We take that message seriously.
Some feedback identified areas for improvement, while other comments highlighted initiatives already underway that have not been communicated clearly enough. Creating opportunities for engagement is only part of the equation; members also need to know those opportunities exist and feel encouraged to participate.
My monthly President’s Office Hours following minyan Sunday mornings provide congregants an opportunity to stop by, ask questions, share ideas or simply have a conversation. Congregants can find information about our Board and Committee leadership in our eNews and on the KBI website, and can connect with any lay leader through the KBI office. The Rabbinic Search process included surveys, focus groups and regular updates, and the Nominating Committee invited members to share thoughts on future KBI leaders. We continue to use surveys, including our High Holy Days, Congregational Satisfaction and B’nei Mitzvah Satisfaction Surveys, to better understand our community’s experiences.
We have also celebrated the people who make KBI special through Spotlight on Congregants and Kol HaKavod, recognizing volunteers, staff and members whose contributions strengthen our community. Board meeting dates are published in the eNews calendar, Board-approved minutes are available on our website, and committees are strengthening annual planning and governance practices.
If you are reading this and thinking, “I didn’t know that,” you are not alone. We have more work to do to communicate clearly and consistently about how members can participate.
Your feedback has also inspired new commitments for the coming year. We will begin sharing quarterly President’s Updates and monthly Board and Committee updates in the eNews. We will create more opportunities for members to meet Board members and see lay leadership participating in congregational life. The Board will continue strengthening governance practices and developing accessible resources that explain how KBI works, how decisions are made, the roles of the Board and committees, and how members can get involved. We also want to improve communication about KBI’s financial realities and priorities, including how membership fees and philanthropic support advance our mission, programs, services and strategic goals.
Perhaps the biggest lesson from this survey is that communication helps good work have greater impact. When members understand what is happening, why decisions are made and how they can become involved, our entire congregation benefits.
Engagement has always been at the heart of our vision for KBI. A thriving congregation is built through the participation of its members. It is built when people show up for moments that are meaningful to them, share their ideas, volunteer their time, welcome newcomers, attend programs, participate in worship and learning, and help create the community we want to be part of.
The Board is elected to represent our congregation. This responsibility begins with listening, but it does not end there. It requires thoughtful reflection, open communication, a willingness to learn and a commitment to putting what we hear into action whenever possible. The Board works in partnership with our clergy, professional staff, volunteers and members to create an environment where KBI can thrive. We will continue to ask questions, learn from our experiences and establish practices that meet the evolving needs of our congregation.
This survey represents the beginning of an ongoing conversation, not the end of one. When you share your thoughts with us, they are thoughtfully considered. We may not always be able to act on every suggestion, but we can commit to listening, responding and providing feedback. Our next Congregational Satisfaction Survey will be launched in the spring, but you do not need to wait until then to share your thoughts, ideas or hopes for KBI. Through surveys, Office Hours, programs and personal connections, we want to hear from you throughout the year.
As we begin the year 5787, we invite you to join us on this journey. Share your ideas. Attend a program. Join a committee. Complete a survey when it comes your way. Stop by during the President’s Office Hours. Bring your energy, experience and hopes for KBI with you.
Together, we can continue to build a warm, vibrant and welcoming Jewish home where every member has the opportunity to connect, contribute and feel a sense of belonging.
Thank you for your partnership, trust and continued engagement. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve this remarkable congregation, and look forward to all that we can accomplish together in 5787.
Shanah Tovah!
Jaimee Mitzmacher