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Temple Beth Avodah Executive Committee - Officer Statements

Debbie and Ron Fellman: We have been TBA members for more than 18 years and have experienced numerous life cycle events made all the more meaningful by sharing them with the TBA community.  Over time, each of us was drawn into different elements of TBA and eventually lay leadership.  For us, serving as lay leaders gives us the opportunity to lay the foundation for the future and to give back to our community . . . a community that has added so much to our lives.

Ellen Meisel: We have been members of Temple Beth Avodah for about 15 years.  The temple has become a second home to our family and we have watched our family grow to five of us.  All three children have learned in the religious school and in the Sanctuary.  Our family has had two bat mitzvahs and our son is becoming a bar mitzvah this year.  We have all found great joy and meaning in the work that we have been involved with . . . from youth group to mitzvah day to committees to services.  We have received so much more than we give back.

Abby Shapiro: I have been an active member of TBA since 1998 when my youngest son began at the preschool. Since that time, the TBA community has become a sacred place that our family has grown to love and connect with on many different levels.  We are fortunate that many of our closest friends are members and have been able to share in all the significant aspects of our Jewish life. For me, what began as an involved preschool mother has evolved into being a lay leader and part of the Executive Committee. I am proud to be a working part of this special congregation.

Neil Jacobs: My wife Debby Posin and I have been members of the Temple for over twenty years.  Although we have had several lifecycle events at the Temple, being part of the Temple community was never a significant part of my life until recently.  I took a chance and attended the first New Brotherhood retreat in Newport, Rhode Island and was moved by the palpable sense of community and fellowship at the retreat.  It was comforting to find others addressing the same issues and questions in their lives as I was.  Following that experience, I have benefitted enormously by becoming more active in Temple life.  There is a wonderful community made up of interesting and diverse people available to be discovered.

Steve Aronson: Risa and I joined TBA shortly after we were married … 35 years ago.  Our three, now adult, children were educated and Bar/Bat Mitzvah’ d at Beth Avodah.  They still talk about their TBA Passport To Israel trip. We were fortunate enough to travel to Israel with Rabbi Stern 6 years ago, deepening or creating some wonderful friendships at the temple.  Most recently Rabbi Stern performed the ceremony for our daughter Lindsay’s wedding.  Our family’s lives have been and continue to be closely connected to the wonderful Community at Beth Avodah.

I have been involved in temple finances for 12 years, serving on the Executive Committee for the past eight years as Treasurer and also as a member of the Budget and Financial Oversight Committees.

Rick Lipoff: From our wonderful preschool experience seven years ago  until today, the TBA community has welcomed my family with open arms which has encouraged me to become more involved.  Working with our Rabbi, our presidents and all the dedicated lay leaders enhances the fulfillment of my spiritual life.  Temple Beth Avodah has offered me and my family, education, spirituality and an extension of home.  All you have to do is say, “Hineini, Here I Am”.

Lisa Tannenbaum: My family and I have been members of TBA for 18 years. Throughout this time, I have been involved with several committees, each year feeling more and more welcome and at ease.  We have celebrated many simchas as well as losses through these years. Beth Avodah has been and continues to be a place of community and comfort for me. I look forward to working with the Executive Committee, and continuing our commitment of being warm and welcoming place for all our members.

Rachel Segall: My husband, Tony, and I, and our 3 children, Maddie, Jordy, and Zeke, have been members of TBA for 9 years.  Our children all went to the preschool here, and in this past year, we celebrated our Maddie's Bat Mitzvah.  The Temple has become like a second home for my family, and being involved and a part of the Temple is a very important part of my life. Being part of the Executive Committee is just one of the ways in which I am able to contribute to our community.

Sandy Carney: As a lifelong member, the Temple always has been, and continues to be, an integral part of my life. This, coupled with having two post Bar Mitzvah age sons, a daughter in religious school, and fortunately a mother who is also a Temple member, gives me a unique and well rounded perspective. After serving on the Board of Directors for the past decade in various capacities, I am pleased to serve on the Executive Committee and give back to the community that has given so much to me over the years.

Roger Kaufman: My family and I have been members at Temple Beth Avodah for the past 15 years.  We have always felt welcomed and connected at the Temple and, as a result, decided to become more actively involved.  I have been on the Board of Directors and a member of the Executive Committee for the past 8 years.  Each member of my family participates in many programs within the Temple community throughout the year.  Whether it is attending a specific educational program, volunteering in the community, having fun at a BAYGL teen event or simply celebrating Shabbat, our involvement with TBA has enriched our lives in so many ways.

Lauri Vinick: I joined TBA 19 years ago as a single mother looking for a spiritual and communal home for my daughter and myself. I found that and so much more! After celebrating so many simchas and warm experiences praying, singing and celebrating, I knew the next step was to get more involved with leadership opportunities so that I could begin to give back to TBA and continue to strengthen my connection to the TBA community.

Bill Friedler: I am currently honored to be serving as immediate Past President of the Temple. My family and I have been members of the Temple for approximately 8 years.  Our involvement with the Temple has enriched our lives through the many activities in which we have been fortunate to participate over the years and by the establishment of close friendships at the Temple.