When I first came to Temple Beth-El 10 years ago, I was looking to connect with a Jewish community since, for the first time in my career, I wasn’t “professionally” Jewish. I had spent my whole adult life until that point working for synagogues and for Hillel, and I finally had the time to actively pursue my own Judaism. Zach and I came to the new and prospective member BBQ, where Brotherhood was grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, to scope out what TBE was like and to maybe meet some people. I remember having a long conversation with Judy, who was very excited to learn about my background in music and chatting with Sarah, who had a baby similar in age to mine. We left that night feeling so seen and cared for, which was not the experience we had in other places (Beth-El was not the only RI synagogue we visited), and we knew immediately that we were going to join. Following that August Shabbat, I was quickly introduced to Anita, who hired me as a 5th-grade Hebrew school teacher and welcomed me into the Religious School community. It isn’t lost on me that the first three people I connected with here at Temple Beth-El, who made me feel instantly like a part of this incredible community, are previous Lindenbaum winners.
Over the next near-decade, I have worn many Temple Beth-El hats (which, luckily, I have the face for). In addition to teacher (where I’ve taught 5th & 6th grade Hebrew, 2nd grade, 7th grade and confirmation), I’ve also been the K’tantan chair, the PROVTY advisor, the Director of Youth & Family Engagement, song & service leader, Zoom tech support, the Director of Communications, and now, the Director of Engagement & Operations. Doing this work takes a lot of time, and energy, and deep care. Being a Jewish professional is not for the faint-hearted or the weak-willed. It takes grit and moxie and sometimes even the actual flexing of muscles (maybe this is why I sometimes go by the alternative name of “Muscles Magnone” - just ask me to open a memorial plaque box or a bottle of grape juice).
All of this is to say I do this work because I love Temple Beth-El, and I am grateful every day to be a part of this community both as a staff leader and as a congregant. I get to work with an incredible group of people who inspire and encourage, and entertain me daily. The days can be long, and the work can be hard, but I wake up every morning excited to spend my time with this glorious bunch - thank you so much for being here tonight, especially when you have to be here every other day. I also work alongside a dedicated and passionate group of lay leaders, including board members, committee and auxiliary group leaders and volunteers, who teach me so much about this place as well as how to be a better and stronger professional. I get to pray and laugh and cry and learn with congregants who also love being here. People who smile when they see me, ask me about my son, Elijah, and know everything about our beloved cat Sundae (alav ha-shalom) who became a quarantine Zoom sensation.
The relationships I have gained and the connections I feel so immersed in push me to want to do my very best for and with this Temple Beth-El community. To be recognized by the Brotherhood as a Charles Lindenbaum Person of the Year award winner, and in this momentous Centennial year no less, is an enormous honor. Following Fred Franklin is never easy - especially when he had a three-year running title, but I will do my utmost to live up to the title of Person of the Year.
The Temple Beth-El Brotherhood has been a vital part of this congregation and community for 100 years, among the first chapters of the Men of Reform Judaism, and I know it will continue to be. I look forward to celebrating with you at the National Men of Reform Judaism conference hosted here in June. What a proud moment for our Brotherhood and all of Temple Beth-El.
Thank you, Brotherhood, truly, for this honor. It is my pleasure to be a part of the Lindenbaum legacy and to have the privilege of supporting my beloved Temple Beth-El. Thank you.
