Strategic Planning Committee phases into Implementation Stage

The Strategic Plan is the conceptualized ideal for the future of The Jewish Center as a Modern Orthodox center for Jewish life and learning on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The Plan was approved and adopted at the annual meeting in September 2005 and now serves as a guideline
to the Board and Administrative Committees and the various other membership committees.

The Plan (attached in full text below), which was developed by a committee of 30 members, addresses the critical issues facing The Jewish Center at this time. These are Facility, Finance, Members' Needs and Chesed, Organizational Structure and Spirituality. The Plan was presented to the leadership and the membership of the shul for reviewand comment twice during the spring and summer and as such includes valuable feedback from the broader membership as well.

The Strategic Plan articulated and the membership approved a vision to guide our future which states "The Jewish Center will be the religious, intellectual and spiritual home of each of its members and a Modern Orthodox center for life and learning that is welcoming to all."

Phase Two, the implementation of The Strategic Plan, has been in effect this past year. The Implementation Committee has met regularly during the course of the year and in close coordination with the existing shul committees and governing bodies endeavors to enrich, enhance and even expand the services provided to our members. The committee membership is a combination of people, some of whom served in phase one as well as additional people who will bring new insights and skills. The work of the Implementation Committee will conclude during the summer of 2007.
In the final months, the committee will focus on those items of The Strategic Plan that still need strengthening. The Implementation Committee will issue a final report and will make its recommendations for the future.

By focusing on the critical issues mentioned above we will strive to fulfill our mission and actualize our vision in constructive and vibrant ways. It is an exciting time to be involved in the life of The Jewish Center. As we continue working together we have the opportunity to add our personal ideas and energies. We encourage our membership to volunteer for service on the various shul committees; together we can insure an ever brighter future for our congregation and community.

Contacts: Virginia Bayer Hirt & Radine Spier