Community Corner - David Spiegel, President

Community Corner

by David Spiegel, Chairman of the Board

Why does Valley Beth Shalom exist? Great question. If you ask members this question most will give you a blank stare. No one has asked them this question. What is your answer? To me, Valley Beth Shalom is more than a place to send our children and grandchildren to school to get a strong foundation in Judaism. There are other schools available. It is more than a place of worship. There are other places to worship. VBS is more than a place to meet other Jews. Many wonderful organizations do that. So why should VBS exist?

To me VBS is a place where Judaism actually means something. VBS is where some of the deepest thinkers come and teach on a regular basis. Where else can you learn what is taught in the College of Jewish Studies? Where else can you listen and argue with some of the brightest minds, our Rabbis, either in Torah study, Lunch and Learn, or even one on one? I have found my knowledge of Judaism and life to be enhanced by discussions and, yes, arguments with our Rabbis.

VBS is where schools do more than just teach a subject, but teach the children to be Jewish mensches, to care about their fellow classmates, the world around them and to care about the Jewish future. It is a place where my grandchildren go.

Israel, our ancient homeland come to life again, is brought to VBS, in classrooms, in lessons, trips and missions, music, art and in so many other ways. It is not by accident that VBS sends over one hundred people a year to AIPAC and that leaders of JNF and Federation come from VBS. We care and continue to look at the future of Israel.

There are many places where if you are in need you can get help. At VBS, if you are in need, you will get so much more than offers to help. It is a place where one finds the comfort in people calling you, bringing meals if you are sick and being with you when you are in mourning.

Valley Beth Shalom is more than just a place to meet people. This is a place where life-long friendships continue to develop, where people care for one another. The opportunities are plentiful to not just meet interesting people, but to make friends and lasting connections in a world where more and more people are lonely. My wife, Michelle, and I were part of a Live a Jewish Life group for many years. Many of our best friends came from the wonderful people in the group.

Valley Beth Shalom exists because of all of us. This is the place where generation after generation makes family, receives knowledge, deepens our awareness, and energizes ourselves. We have created so many opportunities and more of us need to take the first step to be part of this fantastic establishment.

I invite you to explore the many opportunities available at VBS and make this place your home.