s many of you know, the pursuit of information about the Jews of New Mexico is a passion I have had since 1978. It has been a wonderful reward to see the Society grow in popularity and importance since 1978. Today, we have a membership of almost 400 people and we have an array of programs which are impressive.
     We must improve our efforts to contact the entire New Mexico Jewish community and offer people all over the state an opportunity to experience our events and our programs. Time is stealing these precious opportunities to record the oral history we treasure. At the same time, it is important to commit to expanding our workshops and training programs in the area of oral history. We also need to find a place to have an office. We have grown beyond the ability of volunteers to manage our daily business. We will need a part-time office manager and in three years we may need a full-time executive director.
      At the same time that we are rethinking our basic organization, it is a sincere hope of mine that we will also expand our publishing efforts. It would be wonderful to see our newsletter offer at least one article per issue on some aspect of research currently being done on the Jews of New Mexico. It may also be possible to publish one book every two years, so that our Society offers quality publications from the growing inventory of information regarding the Jews of New Mexico and the greater Southwest.
      And as we think about the future, it is not too early to begin to plan for an endowment for the Society. We need to be certain that the archives will be properly maintained and that the work of the Society will continue in perpetuity. This requires a fund-raising effort which the Society has never made before. And we need the support of our membership to help create this financial cushion for the next generations. So please become a ìdream brokerî and help us realize our dreams and objectives in the years ahead. Your investment in our Society will enable us to continue the excitement and imagination which we have brought into focus since our first public program at St. Johnís College in August 1985.
      The interest in New Mexico Jewish history seems to grow significantly every year. Our new World Wide Web site (www.nmjewishhistory.org), which has connected us to historical societies, has linked us with a diversified world of researchers who are interested in crypto-Jews, pioneer Jews, and modern Jews. Our Society is doing the right work at the right time and we all look forward to robust years of membership growth and development in the next few years.

A. David Scholder

And From Our Past President....

s I complete my three years as president of the New Mexico Jewish Historical Society, it is time to reflect on those years. It has been a very important three years of my life! It has been challenging and fulfilling. I have made some close and treasured friends. The constant support of the officers, the Board, and the membership at large, has made it possible for me to strive to fulfill the mission of the Society. I have learned so much from each person with whom I have worked. Thank you all for this opportunity! And thank you all for your continued interest and hard work toward the Societyís goals.
      This has been a time of growth and increased visibility for the Society. We have tried new programs and ventures as a result of your suggestions. We will continue along this path into the 21st Century under the capable leadership of A. David Scholder. Fasten your seat belts!!! Thank you!

Claire Grossman