Greetings from President

Welcome to Congregation Beth El! We are 88 years young as of this writing and I am delighted to be serving a second term as its president. My family became associated with Beth El when I was a child and it was, and continues to be, a very important part of my life. My career has been spent in the world of business and now I teach fifth grade. I have the privilege of teaching my 10 and 11 year old students to enjoy a world of books, become creative writers, and creative problem solvers through the math lessons I impart.

In our synagogue, our professionals and lay leaders collaborate in creating outstanding programs, classes, and spiritual opportunities across the broad spectrum of our members. My time as a business leader and teacher allows me to use all of the skills learned in life to enable and continue this collaboration. Underscoring all of this are the values I was taught here, first as a child, and then as a young adult, which have stayed with me all through my life.

Rabbi Gamliel writes in Pirkei Avot, The Teaching of our Fathers, “All who labor with for the community, should labor for them for the sake of Heaven, for the merit of their forefathers sustains the community, and their righteousness endures forever.”  My presidency follows in the footsteps of some great men and women of the 20th and 21st centuries who have stepped up to lead our congregation. I am honored to be entrusted with this responsibility. Being president allows me to fulfill the ideals articulated in the Pirkei Avot as I attempt to inspire this congregation, and through our collective work, make the world a better place.

My goals for the congregation are very similar to goals I have set for myself…

• To inspire our members to pursue a lifetime of learning through our varied programs and practices
• To be an inclusive community where people turn to for celebration in times of joy and support during times of sadness.

A congregation is only as good as its members. Our members do good work every day and I am happy to lead them in these efforts. I encourage you to join us for the myriad of activities that we offer to find the same experience I have had over the years.

I would be pleased to visit with you and discuss the opportunities that Beth El Norwalk offers. Please reach out by email and I will be happy to follow up by phone or in person.

B’Shalom,

Keith Satter, President

Email: president@congbethel.org