Michael D. Leader
April 13, 2008

         B`nai B`rith Justice Unit #5207 now enters its Twenty-Eighth year.  Historically, the Unit has made a meaningful contribution to both our legal and Jewish community, both of which I am proud to be a part of.  We look forward to continuing our contributions in both arenas.      

B`nai B`rith has been a part of my life since I was twelve years old when I was invited to join Sinai AZA, the local B`nai B`rith Youth Organization (BBYO) chapter in North Miami Beach.  I had incredible experiences as a part of BBYO and was very excited when I became aware of and got involved with the Justice Unit ten years ago.

Like my earlier experiences with B`nai B`rith, we have been working to support meaningful projects including but not limited to those that support the Jewish children and senior citizens in our community.  Accordingly, we will continue to support numerous events that provide financial and other support for charitable agencies and those in need in our community.

We have great plans for this coming year.  We will focus on encouraging the younger lawyers in our community to make a commitment to supporting the Unit and our events.  For various reasons, many of our young professionals do not immediately identify with the beliefs and principles upon which our senior members founded our Unit.  These ideals must not be left behind and must be passed L`dor Vador; from generation to generation.

We intend to maintain social, academic and Tikun Olum programming.  It is our intention to get our younger members teamed up with our senior members for the planning of each of our upcoming events.  We hope to promote events, some with the cooperation of other voluntary bar associations, that will deal with timely issues of concern and/or interest to the legal community and the Jewish community here in Broward County.

I look forward to working with our Executive Committee, Board of Directors and general membership to help ensure that this is a successful and productive year.  With your participation and support, I am convinced that we can continue to make a difference in our community.