The December Bulletin Article

by Rabbi MIller

A True Blessing

One of the greatest blessings I've enjoyed in pursuing my duties as the rabbi of BSKI is the assistance of devoted and gifted individuals. It's a fact: no-one can “do it” by themselves - and that goes in spades when it comes to serving a congregation. If I can be credited with a measure of success, I would have to attribute a large measure of it to an individual who has worked at my side since I began here in 1991. I'm referring, of course, to Bea Sorkin .

Many of you knew Bea long before I ever had the opportunity to make her acquaintance. She had started her work at BSKI during Rabbi Skoff's tenure and had served as his secretary over the years, performing various other responsibilities when the situation arose.

I still remember my first meeting with Bea when she picked me up at the airport on one of my interviews. At the time I had no idea that she was to be my assistant.

We drove down (what I subsequently learned was) Lindbergh Boulevard to get to the synagogue. Perhaps we stopped by the Federation Building. I do remember distinctly talking about the kinds of things it took to manage a synagogue and how I felt that I needed to learn the basics of BSKI before starting to make changes; how I had learned the need to use my position as a leader to empower others rather than simply “take charge.”

Bea made it a point to listen and I know that she felt it important for me to form my own opinions while at the same time allowing me to benefit from her vast experience of the congregation and the St. Louis community.

I had some immediate tasks to attend to. One was to create some kind of vehicle to attract young families into the congregation; perhaps some kind of daycare facility. I discussed this with Bea and she helped me form a committee to examine such a project. After a few meetings, a site visit to the Clayton Child Center, Bea suggested calling in Marci Mayer Eisen, who was working for the Jewish Community Center, as a consultant. In the end we decided to abandon our original idea and partner directly with Marci and the “J” to create our Children's Activity Center (CAC). The results of that process can be felt even today.

When I originally arrived, our religious school was in need of a director. Realizing Bea's capabilities and experience in directing our younger grades I asked Bea if she would be willing to combine her responsibilities to run the entire school. I didn't need to ask twice. How often I remember walking through the building on a Sunday morning with a feeling that there was a pleasant hum of young people engaged in a variety of activities and enjoying their learning experience. Bea made a point to keep in regular touch with her teachers and would always have a slew of resources at her disposal to share with them.

All this in addition to the expected duties of batting out the dictation, keeping my schedule on track and making sure that any materials I might need would be sitting on my desk in plenty of time for review.

If a job needed to get done, it got done. It never was a question of convenience. I could also count on Bea's being at Shabbat services to meet and greet potential members - or take care of a possible emergency without having to skip a beat. Bea's knowledge of Hebrew meant that any information that required a Hebrew background - Conversion papers, Baby naming certificates, “Sale of Chametz” forms and the like could be handled seamlessly.

On a personal level, Susan and I considered Bea and Burt z”l friends. We've enjoyed the chance to socialize at a favorite restaurant and discuss a whole host of various topics and listen to some of Burt's great stories from his vast repertoire. I had the chance to enjoy getting to know Bea's children and their families: Jerry and Ayala; Chuck and Pam and Murray. Jerry, Chuck and their spouses are significantly involved in their synagogues and communities reflecting Bea and Burt's own commitment.

It's a sad truth that nothing in this world can last forever - especially when it involves a person and all the more when that person shows such ability and dedication - and flair! Bea has devoted over forty years to our synagogue. She remembers coming to work for Rabbi Skoff the year President Kennedy was assassinated! (I just happen to be writing this on the anniversary: November 22nd!)

Although Bea may be retiring from her position on the staff, I pray that God will bless her in the years that still remain ahead. She richly deserves all our accolades for all her accomplishments - and there are many contributions that she has made which will remain only known to her. While she may be leaving the ranks of paid employee, I look forward to finding new ways to take advantage of her creativity and organizational skills.

b’Shalom,

Rabbi Mordecai Miller

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