Term Unlimited | Bob Krakow Reflects on an Eventful Presidency
Bob Krakow became president in March 2023 just as Temple was riding high on TE150 momentum.
“We had just had the Light Years celebration, which was the single largest non-High Holy Days gathering we had ever had,” he recalls. “We were operationally sound, there were no crises on my plate. It was an opportune time to think about what we’d like to do to better position Temple for the future.”
Bob undertook three major projects: updating Temple’s bylaws, which also included a total review of the governance structure; simplifying the dues structure; and addressing near- and long-term capital needs.
“Looking back, I feel a great sense of not only accomplishment, but of gratitude. I may have set the table with these ideas, but we could only carry forward on them robustly and successfully if we had the commitment of others to join and do the work,” he says. “You need smart, committed people who care passionately about Temple Emanu-El and our community to get things done. That’s always been the case and remains the case today.”
Just seven months into Bob’s presidency came the unexpected and horrific attacks on October 7, 2023. The massacre upended Jewish life in Israel and exposed rifts in the Jewish community on how best to respond and what Israel should or should not be doing. The priorities of Bob’s presidency expanded to security. A new effort began to decide how best to secure Temple’s perimeter. Construction is ongoing and should be completed by the High Holy Days.
Throughout tumultuous times, the Temple community became stronger, Bob says, pulling together to stand proud in the face of antisemitism. He shared two examples.
One, on a particular Friday, shortly after October 7, word had spread through social media that a jihadist group had declared that date a day of rage. Some parents had kept their children home from school and the community was naturally on edge.
“Without us sending any particular message, Stern Chapel was packed that night,” he says. “Not only were people not deterred from showing up at a place that could theoretically be a target, they felt the need to come to Temple.”
Secondly, even as Temple members gave generously to organizations supporting Israel and her people, they continued to support the Temple Annual Fund. “We set an all-time record. It’s a testament to how people feel about the importance of Temple Emanu-El to their Jewish lives,” Bob says.
Even with everything accomplished during his presidency, Bob is turning over some unfinished projects to incoming president Sara Albert. Those include modernizing our data and expanding Temple’s overall impact through technology.
“Sara has everything you would look for in a leader,” Bob says. “She’s very smart. She has a deep understanding and love for Temple. She’s an excellent communicator. When she needs to be, she can be tough; that’s also required. And, I don’t know anyone who does not love Sara.”
Bob plans to remain active in lay leadership when his term ends on May 31. As immediate past president, he’ll serve on the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee for the next two years.
“Bob has led our congregation with deep dedication, great heart, and a commitment to excellence in all that we do,” says Rabbi David Stern. “His combination of strategic vision and moral compass has been a gift to us all.”
Originally published in the May/June 2025 edition of The Window.