A Message From the President
Marc Rohatiner 

While over the years, I have been affiliated with a number of organizations, I have always considered BJE to be unique. It is one of a few organizations where representatives of all branches of Judaism work in complete concert advancing one goal:
enhanced Jewish education.  Regardless of individual affiliations, each of the BJE's lay leaders recognizes that Jewish education will ensure not only the survival of the Jewish people, but will also contribute to the growth, vibrancy and strength of our community. It is for that reason that it is a tremendous honor to assume the presidency of this important and special organization. BJE's mission encompasses numerous programs and provides many services.

While the myriad of programs and services is part of BJE's strength, it sometimes makes it difficult to describe just what the BJE does. Personally, even after having been affiliated with the BJE for many years, I am still constantly learning about various BJE undertakings. This lack of awareness of BJE's impact and effectiveness in serving so many institutions, teachers, students and parents was reflected in the course of interviews conducted with key stakeholders as part of the BJE’s strategic planning process. It if for that reason that one of my primary goals, over the next many months, will be to better communicate the positive role that the BJE plays in our community. 

I look forward to working with the professional staff led by Dr. Gil Graff. From a layperson's perspective, becoming involved in BJE has always been easy given the support and guidance provided by each and every staff member. I also look forward to working with our board and lay leaders. Simply stated there is no other organization blessed with a lay leadership that is as devoted and talented. Finally, I want to thank our outgoing president, Elaine Lindheim for the work she has done. Elaine has been a role model for me. Her inherent leadership qualities have been on constant display in the many meetings that we have participated in together. Elaine is thoughtful, wise, calm, inclusive, and is the ultimate consensus builder. She and the other past presidents of the BJE have set the bar incredibly high for me and all future presidents. 

Sincerely,

Marc Rohatiner