Tag: governance

10+ Commandments for a Successful Past Presidency

You spend a year or two leading the temple, being involved in every major (and often minor) decision that is made. You meet weekly with the rabbi, help determine policy at the head of the board, and enjoy greeting congregants at services, programs and on the High Holy Days. And then, your successor is nominated, elected and inaugurated and soon, you end up feeling like chopped liver. Such can be the life of a Temple President.

After enjoying working with two very successful past presidents, and sadly facing the conclusion of another successful president’s terms, I decided it was time to put some thought into what makes for a successful past presidency.

This document, 10+ Commandments for a Successful Past Presidency, represents the collaboration with Congregation Or Ami’s current president Susan Gould, with input from past presidents Michael Kaplan and Alice Goldsobel and president-nominee Lucille Goldin.

Ten Commandments for a Successful Past Presidency