News from Kol Ami

Charles Dickens' novel, A Tale of Two Cities, opens with the famous line "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." Many people would look at the recent decisions by CHAT, Associated Hebrew Schools, and Leo Baeck to sell their buildings and/or close their York Region schools as a sign that we are in the midst of "the worst of times." Some people would like to focus on the need to "survive", by slashing programs and operating bare bones congregations.

But I will argue that at Kol Ami we remain in "the best of times." We are a vibrant congregation with exciting and rewarding programs and services, an engaged membership, and a world-class Rabbi and Cantorial Soloist. In addition, we have the luxury of an investment fund, that allows us to plan for the future without having to worry about the ability to pay our bills today.

With the continued support of our membership, leadership, clergy, and staff, we can continue to thrive in these complicated times. "Thrive", not "Survive." Whether our long-term home is in the Leo Baeck building or somewhere else, the most important thing is that we, at Kol Ami, are a community. And I look forward to continuing "the best of times" during my term as President of Kol Ami.

Shalom,

Elliot Miller