The sacred work of Or Ami continues. Our Congregational Meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 7:00 PM, when we will elect the slate of Officers and Directors for the 2025-2026 synagogue year, beginning July 1, and approve the new Bylaws passed by the Board of Directors. This meeting will be held both in person and on Zoom, as authorized by the Board of Directors.
Recognizing that not all partners will be able to attend, we ask that you complete and return the absentee ballot by May 16, 2025 either by returning the signed proxy by mail or by email (office@orami.org). Even if you plan to attend, please send in your ballot—this helps us meet quorum. If you attend, your absentee ballot will be pulled.
We extend heartfelt thanks to Vice President/Past President Hedi Gross, and board members Judy Friedman, Alan Lazar, and April Powers, for their years of devoted service. We are especially grateful to Past President Craig Steinhauer for his steady guidance. While they will be stepping off the board, we know Or Ami will continue to benefit from their leadership in other ways.
The absentee ballot lists only Officers and Directors beginning new terms. The full list of nominees is below:
Nominated for Two-Year Terms:
Jenny Abrams, Michelle Finkelstein, Brad Halpern, Cia Jacobs, Erin Mayer, Kevin Palm, Matt Siegel
Continuing Directors (Second Year of Term):
Laurie Keleman, Debby Pattiz, Rachel Paul
Pending Board Appointments (to fill open terms):
Michele Lieberman, Michael Kaplan, Gustavo Ruiz, Will Springer
Board Advisors: Judy and Harry Friedman
Following the election, the complete list of Officers and Board Members for 2025–2026, beginning July 1, will be:
Officers:
President: Susie Gruber
Senior VP: Marla Landis
VPs: Brad Cohan, Marni Colón, Daniel Germain
CFO: Dana Moraly
Secretary: Rachel Dashevsky
Immediate Past President: Richard Rutkin
Board Members:
Jenny Abrams, Michelle Finkelstein, Brad Halpern, Cia Jacobs, Erin Mayer, Kevin Palm, Matt Siegel, Michael Kaplan, Michele Lieberman, Gustavo Ruiz, Will Springer, Laurie Keleman, Debby Pattiz, Rachel Paul
Ex Officio: Rabbi Paul Kipnes; Judy and Harry Friedman (Advisors to the Board)
New Congregation Bylaws:
On September 24, 2024, the Board of Directors of Congregation Or Ami unanimously approved Amended and Restated Bylaws for the Congregation. A Copy of the Bylaws are attached with this letter. We now ask each of you to authorize and approve the new Bylaws in full.
As I transition into the role of Immediate Past President, I want to express my deep gratitude for the privilege of serving this incredible community. It has been an honor to work alongside a devoted team of Officers, Directors, Clergy, and Staff—with the steady support of Past President Craig Steinhauer. I have every confidence that Susie Gruber and our incoming leadership will continue to shine the light of Or Ami brightly into the future.
With sincere appreciation,
Richard Rutkin
President, Congregation Or Ami