President's Message May 2008

On April 10, 2008 we had our first "event" and by any measure it could only be described as highly successful. We had well over 100 guests in attendance, including elected officials and members of the judiciary. Former Court of Appeals Judge Albert Rosenblatt was introduced by Supreme Court Justice George Marlow and Ninth Judicial District Administrative Judge Frank Nicolai also addressed our membership. Judge Rosenblatt gave a wonderful presentation and we were all even treated to a little "shtik" - an interview of the 5ooo Year Old Lawyer played by Judge Rosenblatt. We particularly wish to thank Lou Ecker for arranging that his golf club host our event. So many of you since that date have thanked us for providing an evening of fun and comraderie. Actually we on the Executive Committee thank you for participating and we are confident that now that we are on the "map" of Westchester bar associaitons we will swiftly move on to greater heights.

In the coming weeks and months we will continue to drive for maximum exposure to potential members so that we achieve a goal by the Fall of 2008 of no less than 250 members. As of May 12, 2008 we have a paid membership of 136 - most of which have joined by word of mouth or having received an email. Our official letterhead has been ordered and is expected shortly. A letter has been drafted and shall be mailed in the coming weeks to every court in the Ninth Judicial District and all bar associations setting forth the dates of Jewish Holidays in 2008 and 2009. We thank the Holiday Committee and Judge Lefkowitz for drafting the letter. We are considering scheduling an event in June to coincide with Shavuot. Also on our agenda is discussion of holding first Gala event before end of year.

Other matters before the Executive Committee are planning for a JBWLS trip to Israel in July 2009 and scheduling in the courthouse next year recognition of Holocaust Day with appropriate guest speaker and movie on the subject.

As promised only 9 months ago, we are building a relevant exciting organization and we continue to need your participation and creativity.

Hon. Jeffrey A. Cohen
President