Mark Seiden and Ronnie Cohn Honored at Congregation Kol Ami

While the legacy of some congregants to their temple is a name in a prayer book or an inscription on a plaque, the Co-Presidents of Congregation Kol Ami set their sights on a far more ambitious bequest to their synagogue. Mark Seiden and Ronnie Cohn Farley, who have served as Co-Presidents of Kol Ami since 2010, worked tirelessly to gain consensus and raise $4 million to reconstruct the sanctuary to replace one that was badly in need of restoration.

Despite skepticism from some about the feasibility of raising this lofty sum at the time of a serious economic downturn, the two forged on and were successful at seeing the project to fruition. With the help of a committee of dedicated congregants and Mark's wife, Andrea Seiden, they sought donations both small and significant from the congregation, retained architects to design a state-of-the-art sanctuary and oversaw the construction of a dazzling new sacred space.

Construction began in the spring of 2012 with the goal of completion before the High Holidays in September. But, as often happens, a few weeks before Rosh Hashonah it became evident that the sanctuary would not be ready in time for the Days of Awe. What to do? Not many facilities in Westchester have the capacity to hold the entire membership of Kol Ami – along with family and friends that accompany them to services. The staff searched for an alternate venue and considered renting video monitors but then had a brainstorm... why not set up a temporary bima in their social hall? Hard to imagine but it worked – they built a bima, set up folding chairs to accommodate thousands, switched the orientation of the room and held services without a hitch.

Perhaps this is why the two Co-Presidents were named the Congregation Kol Ami 2012 Man and Woman of the Year and honored at a dinner during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy on Sunday November 4th. Just that week, in an effort to help congregants through a troubling time, the temple opened their doors and provided everything a "powerless" family would need. In the words of Ronnie Farley, "Kol Ami is always an amazing community, but this past week surpassed even what we have come to expect. By early Tuesday morning, scores of emails were going back with the subject line "Checking In" and offers of warmth, food, shelter, hot coffee, internet and phone access, and companionship." The following Friday, "Prompted by a couple of congregants, clergy, and others, a late afternoon email went out entitled "NEED HEAT?!" We offered our carpeted social hall and auditorium to those who wanted to bring sleeping bags. We provided heat, light, bathrooms (as well as of course coffee, juice and cookies) instead of their cold, dark homes overnight. Two families stayed Friday night, last night and the offer stands until it is no longer needed."

By Sunday night, an elegant dinner in honor of Seiden and Cohn was held in the same room that hours before had served as a shelter. Introductory remarks were made by Sisterhood President Ellen Kurtz, the honorees received a musical tribute from Rabbi Shira Milgrom and Mayor Tom Roach of White Plains was also on hand to thank the Co-Presidents for their work on behalf of the community.

In his remarks, Mark Seiden, a Scarsdale resident, reflected on the experience of leading a large synagogue where much of the work is done by volunteers." As an attorney, I am necessarily results oriented. While the results we have collectively achieved for Kol Ami are critical, and a source of satisfaction, perhaps more importantly, I have come to realize that it is the process by which these results are achieved, that is as, or more important than the results themselves. It is the process that causes you to work with and bond with a diverse group of people on a regular basis, form new friendships and connect with the community."

"I soon came to realize that getting things done with a talented and committed corps of volunteers, was a very different process from getting things done in a law office. In the "for-profit" environment, there are systemic and obvious rewards and disincentives. However, in a volunteer environment, all that goes out the window. You have to dig deeper and evaluate as to how best to tap into what gives people meaning. You have to facilitate collaboration and empower people to do more. You have to listen carefully and importantly, you have to recognize and thank people. In his "Ted Talk", Simon Senak, the author of "Start with Why" concisely analyzed the phenomena Ronnie and I experience almost every day through our work at Kol Ami. He observed, "If you hire people because they can do a job, they'll work for your money. But if you hire people who believe what you believe, they'll work for you with blood, sweat and tears."

Reflecting on her term as Co-President and Hurricane Sandy, Cohn commented on the power of community: "These acts of good will, through gestures large and small, are further proof of what we already know. When we face adversity, we run towards one another, not away. During the most trying times, we step up for our neighbors and communities." That is why it is a privilege to be a part of this family as well as my own. That is why I am so honored by your tribute."

Photo Credit: Mariela Melamed