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Pat and Natalie Kater


We are proud to highlight our members who commit their time and resources to helping VBS thrive. Throughout the year, we will be sharing their stories and hope you will be inspired to learn more about our programs or get involved with a new project at VBS. To view articles written by VBS members, check out our Community News Blog > 

Pat and Natalie Kater

Pat Kater and his wife of more than 65 years, Natalie, moved to the Encino area more than 50 years ago and were looking for ways to get involved in the Jewish community. They heard there were many exciting events and volunteer opportunities at Valley Beth Shalom, and decided to get more involved. They officially joined VBS in 1967 and have been here ever since. Pat began his VBS involvement first - by answering a call to help set up for the VBS annual play. Not only did Pat help, he designed, assembled and painted (along with many team members) several of the sets used for many years. He was the perfect stage hand! 

Over the years, Pat’s volunteer work expanded to chair of the Membership Committee, Board Member, and Past Chair of the Board of Trustees. He was also one of the first volunteers to set up High Holiday seating. For more than twenty years, he utilized his creative talents through designing the VBS logo, a beautiful hardcover book of Rabbi Harold Schulweis’ poetry, “Living Our Legacy,” as well as invitations and programs for the annual “Man of the Year” events. Along with Pat, Natalie was drawn to volunteer work at VBS. She was one of the first volunteers to work at the Food Bank, helping the hungry within our community.

One of Pat’s favorite programs continues to be Rabbi Feinstein’s Wednesday evening College of Jewish Studies lecture series. But he also relishes the many opportunities VBS offers outside of mainstream Jewish learning for the community to get involved, particularly social action.

When asked what being a member of the VBS community has meant to him and his wife, Pat says that membership fosters such a strong sense of belonging, feeling welcome, and being surrounded by wonderful people. To learn more about VBS membership and volunteer opportunities, contact (818)788-6000.

Donations of non-glass non-expired canned and dried foods are kindly accepted all year long. Items may be dropped off in the main VBS hallway. Thank you to the ECC and Day School students who bring canned food items for SOVA each week as part of their weekly tzedakah. To learn more about the food bank or to donate, visit vbs.org/foodbank or call 818.788.6000.

 

Fri, March 29 2024 19 Adar II 5784