Louisville, the time is now
As a lifelong member of the Louisville Jewish community, and a member of a Louisville family that encompasses six generations in this community (with hopefully more to come), I felt it important to comment on the article in the July 26 edition of Community regarding the Rosov study.
As was pointed out, the time is now for ALL of us as “stakeholders” to act with vision and foresight for there to be a viable, strong Louisville Jewish community in the future. The concepts, thinking and planning that we have experienced in the past WILL NOT be of the type needed for the future. We must be ready to act in ways that our forbearers could never have imagined.
This study should be the basis and beginning of creative, innovative thinking that will take us into uncharted waters, but will create a Jewish community that will help us survive in the 21st century.
I truly believe the idea put forth by the study of synagogue space sharing is one that deserves our attention and insight. Many of us are aware of the different mindset thinking by those generations younger than mine. Bricks and mortar do not carry the impact that was once the approach taken. Space-sharing under one synagogue roof, whether it be Orthodox, Conservative or Reform, is not uncommon in many cities; there is no reason why it could not be applicable to our community.
Our community is almost equally divided between the Highlands, the Brownsboro Road area and Prospect. Why not consider the use of one synagogue building in each area to have multiple services under one roof? A working relationship as such could immediately result in vast financial, membership and other benefits to all organizations.
Will this be easy? NO. Can we change our ways and be willing to give and take? Hopefully. Are we, as a Jewish community, doomed if we don’t? Probably.
I earnestly urge the lay leaders of the community, the clergy in particular, and the individuals who want to see a vibrant Jewish presence exist in Louisville for the next 50-100 years, to come together in a united effort to make this happen.
We are at a critical point in our history. IT IS NOW! Do something to let everyone know how YOU feel about this and other matters affecting our Jewish community.
Bob Kohn
Louisville
(The author is a Louisville attorney, a past president of the Jewish Community Center and a founder of the local chapter of the Joshua Society, a giving society that supports Jewish Louisville.)
NCJW, Camp Gilda make perfect pair
For 12 years, the ladies of NCJW-Louisville Section have been the framework on which Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana’s Camp Gilda, a week-long day camp for kids ages 6-12, living with cancer, has been built.
This year, 55 campers and junior counselors, along with volunteers and Gilda’s Club staff, were sustained by them. In a matter of five days, this small, but mighty team purchased, prepared and served a phenomenal 770 meals – the pièce de résistance being a dinner for more than 100 at our campers’ talent show.
Not only do these lovely ladies fill our stomachs, but our hearts as well. By the end of the week, they knew our campers – their names, their stories.
Until you’ve silently watched them leaning down to hear more clearly what a camper has to say, or see them offer a smile and hug, you really can’t comprehend the extent of their gift.
We, literally, can’t thank NCJW enough, but we’ll try. Thank you, Helen, Susan, Joyce, Judy, Ruth, Leni, Bev and all the other NCJW volunteers who make our kid’s camp possible.
Suzanne Goldring
Louisville
(The author is the marketing & communications director of Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana.)