In 1951, when newly widowed Paula Ackerman spoke to her husband’s congregation in Meridian, Mississippi she spoke about the essential need for a strong lay and professional leadership. She said - `We need Jewishly inspired men and women to become leaders. We need informed leaders to whom Judaism is no cold remote theology and Hebrew learning a matter of mystical ignorance.  We need a reassertion of faith and a reawakening of interest in a cultural heritage that is all too rapidly being lost….we desperately need, she said, such lay leaders today that have this vision and fortitude.”

Even though this passage was written over 50 years ago, it might still be considered applicable today and therefore it was used as a study text to jump start a leadership discussion at the 10th annual Scheidt Seminar.  I attended this conference earlier this year along with 103 other temple presidents and presidents-elect from the U.S. and Canada. As a group, we participated in round table discussions on leadership skills, membership initiatives, and fundraising events.   The weekend also provided a forum to network with these Reform Synagogue leaders and exchange war stories as well as successful and not so successful program ideas.

What I learned is that we at Keneseth Israel are most fortunate. We continue to be perceived by the URJ and other Temples as the crown jewel in the Reform Movement. And they are right! The KI leadership has always been an inspired and informed group of individuals who envisioned the future, dared to dream of what could be and had the determination to endure barriers to success….. I think you will soon see the slate of officers that you have voted to govern for the 2008-2009 year will embody those same qualities.  …..

Two years ago when Rabbi Rob began his tenure with us and Mike Stroock assumed the Presidency we decided that we must keep our eye on the future - for what was could no longer sustain us. Today, the changes in the Jewish landscape as well as the economic conditions that plague all of us mandate our actions… And so I will continue the charge that Mike’s administration began –that is to move KI up to the next level of excellence.  I ask you to take a moment and listen to my dream for Keneseth Israel and what I hope it can become in the next two years.

I dream…..that KI will have a building that is structurally sound, secure and accessible to all.

I dream…..that KI will be an even more exciting place to worship, socialize, and learn.

I dream…. that more of our younger members, will play an active role in making KI all that it can be and that we will have no difficulty acquiring congregants who will take positions of leadership on the Board

I dream…. that dues will not be a deterrent to membership.

I dream…. that our youth will be an active vibrant force within our walls.

I dream…. that KI will be viewed by the larger Jewish community as a house of study, warmth, and worth.  AND

I dream…. that one day our Religious School will be accredited by the National Association of Temple Educators and be filled with youngsters from Nursery school through Confirmation.

The realization of these dreams will carry us into the future. They are both aggressive and daunting because all of them take time, hard work, and money to accomplish. This Installation Shabbat (6/13/08) I will tell you my vision of how we as a congregation plan to start making these dreams come true…Then, if you believe, as I do, that these goals are what’s necessary to continue the journey that our founders started over 100 years ago, I challenge you to help us – either as a member of a committee, through your financial support, or by your participation in one of the many programs we offer.  

I want to thank Mike Stroock and the outgoing board members for their devoted service. The state of the Temple has been handed over to me in good condition. When my husband Mike and I care for our grandchildren, we go to great lengths to assure nothing drastic happens, ‘on our watch’.   I pledge to you the same….I promise that I will uphold the Mission of Keneseth Israel, be available to hear your concerns or ideas, and pass this sacred trust on to the ones who follows me.

I am very excited and enthused to take on this role and truly thank you for electing me to serve as the 37th President of KI.  I am honored by your confidence in me and vow to fulfill your trust to the best of my ability.

About Martina Obenski

Martina and Mike Obenski have been Keneseth Israel members since 1972.  Martina has been a Sisterhood member since becoming a member.  As a member of K.I.’s Board of Trustees and later the Executive Committee, she has served as chair of the Outreach Committee, and as Vice President of the Temple Board has chaired the Endowment Committee and the Rabbinic Transition Committee as well as co-chaired the Rabbinic Search Committee.

Martina and Mike are Tree of Life Members because they believe that it is their obligation to preserve the tradition of our ancestors. They have three adult married children and four grandchildren.

Martina is the first Jew by Choice to serve Keneseth Israel as President.

A native of St. Clair, Pennsylvania, Martina is a retired nurse and has earned a Masters degree in Nursing with a specialty in Gerontology and Education as well as a diploma as a Legal Nurse Consultant.