Yale Zoland Presidential Inaugural Address

Good evening.

It is with deep gratitude and a full heart that I stand before you tonight as the new president of the Westchester Jewish Center. I’ll be honest—this wasn’t a role I sought out. But today, I feel energized, committed, and truly honored to step into this responsibility. I’m ready to give it my all.

Before I share my vision for the future of WJC, I must begin by recognizing the extraordinary leadership of our outgoing president, Larry Thaler.

Larry, you have been a pillar of strength, wisdom, and dedication. You’ve bridged generations, brought stability after the disruption of COVID, and guided us with clarity, compassion, and an unmatched knowledge of this blessed institution. Whether it’s understanding the intricacies of our physical space, navigating budgets, organizing seating charts, or connecting people, you have done it all with grace and humility.

Our leadership styles may differ, but I do not doubt that I’ll often ask myself, “What would Larry do?” And thankfully, as Chair of the Board, you’ll be nearby to lend your insight. Your continued presence will be both a comfort and an asset.

Tonight, on behalf of the entire WJC community, I am proud to present you with a new set of tefillin—something Sherry shared you might appreciate. Tefillin connects us physically and spiritually to God. Larry, may these sacred items also serve as a daily reminder of how deeply this community values you. Your dedication has bound you to WJC, and your contributions—yours and Sherry’s—are beyond measure. Thank you.

As I step into this new chapter, I’ve spent time reflecting on the past 29 years I’ve been part of WJC. I’ve come to understand what draws me to this place and why I’ve chosen to serve in this way. My reasons come down to four core values:

Community – This is where I found my first friends in Larchmont and Mamaroneck—friendships that have stood the test of time. I’ve built cherished relationships with our leadership, past and present, and have had the privilege of a close working relationship with leaders like Rabbi Arnowitz and Rabbi Segelman. Just yesterday, I had lunch with Rabbi Segelman—he and his family are doing well, and he sends his love. I also find deep meaning in helping others find their place here. That connection, that sense of belonging, is powerful.

Commitment – I was raised to see things through. That’s just who I am. Once I take something on, I don’t let go. I love helping WJC grow stronger, and in return, I’ve grown too, gaining skills, knowledge, and perspective that have enriched every part of my life.

Gratitude – I’ve been very fortunate in life, and I believe in giving back. It’s not just a responsibility—it’s a privilege.

Gratification – Over nearly three decades, I’ve met truly exceptional people here. I’ve been inspired by the intellect, the dedication, and the spirit of cooperation I’ve witnessed again and again. WJC has given me far more than I could ever give in return. My personal growth is deeply tied to this community.

Over the last few months, I’ve gone on a “listening tour”—conversations over kiddush, one-on-one meetings with staff and congregants, gatherings with past presidents, and countless informal chats. I’ve been listening, learning, and gaining a deeper understanding of our community’s needs and aspirations.

As I look ahead, several goals rise to the top of my agenda:

1. Building Bridges
   It’s natural for us to connect most deeply with those in our immediate circles—parents of nursery school classmates, peers in similar life stages. But the true beauty of WJC lies in its diversity of perspectives.  Generations interacting. We, as Jews, understand the importance of the intergenerational fabric. L’dor v’dor.  I have friends here ranging in age from their 40s to their 80s—and my life is richer because of it. We need more of that. We will create opportunities to connect across generations and interest groups, breaking down silos and deepening relationships. One example? The return of the Progressive Dinner—once a cherished WJC tradition. It’s time to bring it back.
2. Growing Participation
   If each member participated in just one more event—be it a service, a Sisterhood program, a lecture, a teen activity—just imagine the impact. One more moment of learning, one more meaningful connection, one more spark of community. Multiply that across our membership, and we could ignite something extraordinary.
3. Enhancing Communication
   We hear it all the time: “I get too many emails,” followed by, “I didn’t know that was happening!” We’re going to fix that. We’ll find a smarter, more personalized way to connect people with what they care about—so that information is not just sent, but received and felt.  Lauren, our Officer for Communications, and I have already discussed this and things are in motion.
4. Strengthening Systems
   As WJC grows and the world becomes more complex, we must evolve. We’ll continue the important work of building strong administrative and governance processes—work that Larry, Harold, and Jonathan have already begun. This will make WJC more efficient and more effective for the future.
5. Inspiring Leadership
   Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about inspiring others to walk beside you. At WJC, we’re blessed with a deep bench of wise, experienced leaders. But we can’t rest on that. We must identify and nurture new talent as well as reinvigorate past leaders, create pathways for involvement, and ensure that the spirit of volunteerism remains alive and strong.

Is this a tall order? Absolutely. But we have the team to do it. I have complete confidence in our professional staff, our lay leadership, and in each and every one of you.

I want to take a moment to offer some personal thanks.

• To Wendy—my partner and my rock—thank you. I know this role demands time and energy, and that often comes at your expense. Your support—sometimes reluctant,  always loving—means everything to me.

To my parents, Alvin and Paula—thank you for instilling in me a deep sense of values, purpose, and a strong Jewish identity.

To my children—Josh, Arielle, Ethan—you’ve heard me say it before: lead by example. Step up. Give your best. It’s the most meaningful way to live.

To my friends, my extended family, my community—thank you for your faith in me. Your encouragement has helped me say “yes” to this moment, and that faith will help me power through when the going gets tough.

And to our officers, trustees, and every volunteer who gives their time and heart to this community, you are what makes WJC the extraordinary place that it is. Thank you.

To our professional staff–we couldn’t do it without you.

If you can’t already tell, I love this place. I love what WJC stands for. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited for what lies ahead. Nearly 30 years ago, I walked through these doors for the first time. I had no idea how much this place would come to mean to me.

Together with the strength, compassion, and wisdom of this community, I know we will continue to lead, not only as a congregation, but as a beacon of excellence in Conservative Judaism.

Let’s get to work and go higher and higher.

Thank you.