The President’s Page
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Like any organization, the Jewish Center of Northwest Jersey has a president with a variety of duties. Howie Hirsch currently serves as president; Mo Bauer is the immediate past-president.The latest message from the president, published in our newsletter, is found below. (Past messages can be found on the Past Messages page.) E-mail temple president Howie Hirsch |
January 2024 Message from President Howie Hirsch
Presidents Message January 2024
Farewell to 2023 and welcome to 2024.
A new year brings new hope, new love, and new faith ( to paraphrase Bruce Springsteen and quoted at Ezra Tarlowe’s Bar Mitzvah by Mike Weiner).
I have been a changed person in the last 12 months. A year ago, Iris asked to go to Costa Rica for her birthday. She picked out the tour to go on, which was a bird photography tour. We had a wonderful time. Unbeknownst to me, this trip has changed me dramatically. I have been bitten by bird photography fever. In addition to this “disease,” I have done more in my wood shop and serious work in my gardens.
What I have discovered in the last 12 months is an artistic side of me that I did not know existed for my entire life. I have always been the analytical type, and the adjustment to appreciating and creating art has been a total transformation. I think that I have always seen the beauty of the world and I know I enjoyed travelling for my job as well as on vacations and my highly successful state capitol quest.
But the mindset to look for my art to share is very new to me. I am trying to look at the world a little differently, but I am going to try and portray the beauty of the world, especially the birds that I have become so fond of.
I need to thank my wife Iris for showing me the beauty of the animal kingdom for the last 40 plus years. I grew up with one pet dog that we kept for a year. Until I met Iris, that was the extent of my dealing with my own family pet. I have also been bitten by at least two dogs that I can remember in my youth, so I was quite concerned when getting involved with a woman who can not live without a pet in her life. She has shown me the beauty of having a pet, as well as the sorrow of losing pets.
My hope for all of you this year is the same as it is every year. I wish you good health.
I hope you find happiness in your family, in your work, in your activities and in your life.
Lastly, I want to thank my family for giving me the best Chanukah present of all. All my children, their partners and the grand children were all together with Iris and me for Chanukah this year.
All my love to all of you,
Howie
Read all past messages on the Past Messages page.
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Last updated: January 20, 2024