Dear Members of Our Jewish New Haven Community,

This is a bittersweet moment for us.

Sydney Perry, our CEO of the Jewish Federation of New Haven has decided to retire June 2016.  For 25 years Sydney has worked tirelessly to educate our community on spiritual, national and international issues that impact the Jewish World. We have been extraordinarily fortunate to have someone of Sydney's caliber in charge of our Federation.

During Sydney's stewardship, she has been responsible for strengthening our agencies and synagogues, creating partnerships, and providing guidance and leadership during the difficult times.  One of the Jewish Federation's main purposes is to raise money so it can support its mission of sustaining and enhancing Jewish life at home and around the world. Sydney has done a magnificent job leading the community fundraising efforts.

She has taught us in her numerous Shabbat messages and writings what giving tzedakah does for the soul as well as for the community.  We are deeply grateful to Sydney for her extraordinary commitment to our community, and it is going to very difficult to find someone with such devotion to our beloved Jewish New Haven Community.

I have asked Dr. Norman Ravski to lead the search committee, which is composed of 17 people who represent all aspects of our community. Their names are listed below. The committee is now in the process of vetting candidates after having gathered input from the Jewish community. Meetings were held with agency and synagogue professional and lay leaders. In addition, numerous conversations were held by our stakeholders to get their thoughts and suggestions.  We also welcome hearing from you regarding the search. Please send your comments, input, nominations or applications to me or to Dr. Ravski.

Next year there will be a gala to celebrate Sydney's remarkable career and impact on us both personally and as a community.  I know I speak for everyone to say how blessed we are to have Sydney in our lives and in our community.

Thank you,

Dr. Stephanie Wain                                         

President, Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven

swain@jewishnewhaven.org

203-671-5511

CEO Search Committee

Chair: Dr. Norman Ravski, nravski@aol.com

Betsy Hoos, Jeffrey Hoos, Stuart Katz, Jo-Ann Horn Maynard, Dena Schulman-Green, Mark Sklarz, David Trachten, Stacey Trachten, Evan Wyner