CONGREGATION B’NAI ISRAEL is proud to honor Joe and Barbara Baim at its Gala on March 18. Over the past several years, Joe and Barbara Baim – together with The Roslyn & Joseph Baim Family Foundation — have underwritten the cost of bringing numerous “headliners” to the community including Natan Sharansky, Danny Gordis and Peter Beinart.
“We believe it is important for the community to hear from the highest quality speakers who can offer unique insights,” says Joe. “When it comes to the Arab-Israeli conflict, there are no right or wrong answers; our focus is support for Israel.”
They first visited Congregation B’nai Israel together in 2007, while they were still courting. “When we walked out after services, we both looked at each other and knew we had found our spiritual home,’” Barbara recalls. “We feel so lucky to be part of this congregation. The staff and clergy are wonderful, and all of the members are warm and inclusive. They have become like family to us.”
The congregation feels the same about the Baims. “They are as thoughtful as they are generous,” remarks CBI’s president, Tony Kravitz. “When they offered to replace all of our outdated siddurim and machzorim with the newest edition published by the Conservative movement, they knew it was an investment that would impact every single congregant and guest. The new books have had a very positive effect on our services, and everyone who enjoys them is grateful to the Baims. They help our synagogue in so many ways – from taking care of small administrative tasks to sponsoring major fundraising events. We are so fortunate to have them as dedicated members.”
Orange County is fortunate to have such philanthropic leaders. Joe and Barbara are conscious of the legacy they are creating, but humbly claim that they are the ones who are benefitting. “We get great joy from supporting many charities, especially CBI. We feel privileged that we are able to fulfill a need and help where we can. We hope the things we have done — and will do in the future — inspire people, especially the younger generation, to continue their commitment to Judaism, and their love of Israel.”