Dear Friends,
Rob Zuckerman assumed the chairmanship of our Board of Trustees at our annual meeting in February. A lot has happened under his watch! On Sunday Rob took the lectern to make the announcements, so that he could talk about our Search Committee’s work, their recent report, and the Board’s decision in response to it.
“The Search Committee worked diligently, investing a great amount of time and energy in this effort,” he said. “They looked at twenty-three resumes which they narrowed down to four prospective candidates. Each of those four spent an entire weekend with our Search Committee getting to know each other in person. The committee felt that one candidate stood out, and an offer for the position was made.”
Rob explained, “After ten days this candidate decided not to accept the position because she and her husband had too many conflicts about the move.” Then he said, “This past Tuesday evening I called a special meeting of the Board of Trustees, the Search Committee and Frank Hall. We all discussed the current situation and what emerged out of that meeting is that we should ask Barbara Fast to extend her internship with us. She would be an assistant to Frank while continuing her supervision of the R. E. program, as she prepares to meet the Ministerial Fellowship Committee next winter.”
He reported, “Our Board voted, almost unanimously, to have Barbara continue her work here. When the time comes, the congregation will vote to decide if we want to formalize this relationship.”
Rob’s announcement was a clear, concise expression of the situation, and a precise reporting of our Board’s decision. Many hours have been spent behind the scenes, of course, as the Search Committee did its work, involving me in appropriate but minimal ways. They were clearly in charge. When the Search Committee asked me to summarize what I need in a ministerial colleague I said, “A generalist with a good attitude.” I interviewed each of the four finalists, and agreed with their choice.
I did not know that Barbara could be an eligible candidate for the position, given the Ministerial Fellowship Committee’s rules, but I was glad to learn that she could.
There’s no question in my mind that Barbara is most qualified to fill the bill. She came up through the ranks, having served us first as a lay member, then as our Congregation Coordinator, then Director of Religious Education, and Ministerial Intern. She has the experience, talent, skills and energy we need in a minister.
In Barbara Fast we have a generalist with a good attitude! I’m very, very pleased! And I’m confident that she and I will continue to work together to serve the ministerial needs and aspirations of our congregation. Thanks to the Search Committee and our Board of Trustees, and thanks for your confidence and support.
