David Cooper Elected President of Baron Hirsch

Baron Hirsch Congregation held its annual general membership meeting and elections on January 17, 2010.  The meeting, which was held in the Marsi Moss Social Hall of the congregation, began with a gala brunch.

Presiding over the meeting was Sidney Mendelson, who was completing two years of service as president of the Baron Hirsch.  Rabbi Shai Finkelstein, Senior Rabbi of the congregation, presented the major annual awards.

In his opening remarks, Rabbi Finkelstein praised both the leadership and the membership for the tremendous efforts that have led to many successes, and the feeling of closeness which exists within the congregation.  In speaking about Mr. Mendelson, Rabbi Finkelstein stated, “For two years I cannot recall a time in which Sidney did not say ‘henaini – here I am’, and this call was always with passion, feelings, love and care for the shul at large and for each member in particular.”

Congregation member Mark Hayden received the Louis Turetsky Memorial Chesed Award.  In expressing his feelings about the special nature of Baron Hirsch, Mr. Hayden remarked, “We’re lucky here- we’ve got a fine clergy, great clerical staff, nice membership and a lot of cute kids. How could you not smile at that?” Mr. Hayden further stated that he is motivated to do things for the shul and community in order to give something back.  “Whether it is giving to a community or in this case giving back to our synagogue, just give something back to an institution that’s filled and enriched our lives,” Hayden urged.

Frank Udelsohn was the recipient of the Sam Abraham Memorial Award as the 2009 Member of the Year.  In accepting the award, Mr. Udelsohn mentioned how proud he was to receive the same award that his father, of blessed memory, received as president of Baron Hirsch back in 1977.  Furthermore, he stated, “I have been chosen from a group of many who volunteer on a daily basis for our great and wonderful shul.” Mr. Sidney Abraham, son of the late Sam Abraham, presented the award which carries his father’s name.

In his remarks on the state of the congregation, Mr. Mendelson reported on the growing involvement in many of the congregation’s classes and events.  “I am very proud to have had the honor in serving the Baron Hirsch Congregation over the last two years. The congregation has accomplished so much by working together thanks to our Senior Rabbi, Rabbi Shai Finkelstein,” stated Mr. Mendelson.  “We have grown in so many ways, which include membership, additional new classes, along with an increase in shul volunteers. I am proud of our new incoming president, David Cooper, along with the executive committee and Board of Trustees as I know under their leadership that Baron Hirsch will continue to prosper. I look forward in continuing to serve Baron Hirsch, which has become such an important part of my life, in the years to come.”

Sidney Goldstein, representing Goldstein & Associates P.C., gave the financial report to the membership.  Bernard Lipsey, chairman of the congregation’s nominating committee, presented the slate of officers and trustees for the approval of the membership.

David Cooper, who was elected president, is Executive Vice President of Cooper Companies.  He is the immediate past president of the Margolin Hebrew Academy/Feinstone Yeshiva of the South, and serves on many other boards throughout the community. 

Others elected to positions as officers were: Irvin Skopp - 1st Vice President/Gabbai Rishon; Pace Cooper - 2nd Vice President; Gary Makowsky – Vice president; Marty Belz - Vice President; Harold Wormser - Treasurer; Morris Thomas - Secretary; Elliot Wender - Gabbai Shaynee; Louis Safier – Assistant Gabbai, Eric Schubert – Assistant Gabbai and Gerald Ballin – Warden. 

Elected to the Board of Trustees for two-year terms were: Robert Cohen, Allen Exelbierd, Dr. Lauren Levinson, Neal Loskovitz, Lyda Parker, Emily Steinberg, Dr. Ellis Tavin, Sarah Thomas, Frank Udelsohn and Adrian Weissman.  Elected to the Board of Trustees for a one-year term were Lee Baum and Dr. Marc Silberberg.