In order to best increase participation in events, to attract new members, and to inform others of upcoming events, publicity is key. Our synagogue, Congregation Beth Shalom, in Northbrook, Illinois, publishes a bulletin entitled Shalom, ten times per year. It includes messages from our clergy, the executive director, and the many arms of our synagogue, such as USY, religious school, Sisterhood, and Men’s Club, along with a calendar of events, a list of recent donations, and advertisements. The Men’s Club article is our opportunity to publicize our upcoming events, give general announcements, and explain the good that we do for our community. Upon the presidencies of Steven Lessman and Dr. Andrew Wagner starting in July 2022, we decided to change the format of our bulletin articles.

Now we understand that, for upcoming events, many people just want to check out the calendar, see what is going to happen, and then check with their phone calendar, work calendar, and their kids’ school and activities calendars to make sure that they can attend an event. We also understand that the bulletin and our article is there to inform our congregation on upcoming events. However, knowing that an organization is only as strong as its members and leaders, we wanted to spotlight our many amazing leaders. This gave many a first-time opportunity to meet a valued member of our Club, the congregation and the community.

Our co-president, Steve Lessman, interviewed all of our executive board and multiple members of our general board to learn about their background, family, career, interests, community involvement and synagogue involvement. A summary of the interview was then created and proofread by our other co-president. It was then submitted to the CBS Director of Communications for publication.