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PRESIDENTIAL TRIBUTE Ned chaired and carefully monitored the construction of our new facility. It was during his term that we moved in and transformed it into our new habitat. In conceptualizing life in our new space, Ned taught us, “form follows function.” Since professional development and educational resources are at the philosophical heart of the agency, the new Resource Center is the geographical heart of the facility. When you enter the new CJE, you enter the Resource Center, and the entire CJE professional staff is available to serve your educational needs and interests. Throughout the construction process, Ned attended to details from color schemes to room schematics, from carpeting to HVAC systems. He also helped us forge the wonderful partnership with our new JCC neighbors. By guiding us through two budgeting processes, he ensured that we would have the resources to provide services to schools, as well as extensive materials for educators. Through these efforts, he helped increase the visibility and viability of CJE. Today, we are more relevant, more responsive and more creative than we have ever been. By envisioning a CJE that resonates for families—through programs like Toddler Tales and CraftyKids—we have increased our community appeal while maintaining our special emphasis on serving educators. And when Ned spoke of serving educators, he envisioned all educators, including day school, early childhood, adult, congregational and informal educators. Ned’s leadership has taken CJE to new places. It is with great affection, appreciation and enthusiasm that we continue to travel on the road Ned helped us pave. Todah rabah, Ned! |
For the past two years, we at CJE have been on an exciting journey. Along the way, we have moved to a new facility, and we have seen more funds come into the Jewish education system. We have also reaffirmed our goal of working more closely with the full spectrum of Jewish day schools, congregational schools and early childhood programs in our community. It has been our good fortune to have Ned Himmelrich as our captain for this journey. Ned’s term as CJE president is drawing to a close, but both the legacy of his work at CJE and the charge he leaves to the next administration are extremely valuable.