Words from our Congregation President, Ricki Bauman
December, 2025
I want to thank the Congregation for the confidence you have in me and my team. The voting plurality of 2 to 1 is clearly a mandate for us to proceed onward as we have over the past two years. As we are ending our 50th Anniversary year with our Gala on January 31st, we will continue to grow and move ahead to ensure that Beth Israel is clearly the Jewish presence in southern Hillsborough and northern Manatee counties.
Some efforts that will be highlighted this year:
1. Greater outreach in Wimauma, Riverview, Apollo Beach, Parrish, and Ellenton. Please let Membership Director Pam Fisher know if you are interested in holding an event (cocktail party, etc.).
2. Implementing the recommendation from FTAP’s building evaluation to determine how we can pay for the continuing maintenance and capital needs of our building.
3. Major effort to expand the reach of our Legacy Fund.
4. Continue the effort to garner grants for security and other projects.
5. Garner grants for or “adopt a scroll” so that we can bring our Torah Scrolls into a state of good repair, as none are “kosher”.
6. Fully implement our Rakefet synagogue software.
7. Continue to work with the Jewish Federation and the Hillsborough County Sheriff to bring security/safety best practices and
instructional classes to Beth Israel.
Best wishes to all of the Congregants and families for a safe, happy, and healthy secular New Year.
L’shalom,
Ricki
