Joel Tribute Book
Joel Tribute Book
Joel Tribute Book
ANEVENINGTOREMEMBER
As TBE was beginning a new journey in 2000, the congregation put its trust and confidence in a thirty-one year old Philadelphian to lead our community to a new destination a reflective community steeped with history and yearning for a new closeness and commitment to Gemilut Hasadim, Avodah, Tzedakah and Torah.
The rest is history.
Rabbi Sisenwines presence, dedication and leadership has guided us on a journey of growth, both physically and spiritually. Bringing his vision and dreams to reality, while involving members of all ages, has been a hallmark of his tenure, leading to TBE being named one of eight visionary congregations in America in the book Sacred Strategies His love of the Jewish people emanated from his childhood home in Plymouth Meeting, PA and was reflective of his parents, Phyllis and Sams dedication to Jewish life. With a youthful intellectual curiosity Rabbi Sisenwine immersed himself in Jewish life, whether playing football and basketball as part of AZA sports, leading his local BBYO chapter or being president of his Confirmation class. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania. After studying at the University of Tel Aviv and the Jewish Theological Seminary among others, he was ordained from HUC-JIR, New York in 1995. During his student years, Rabbi Sisenwine was awarded the prestigious Wexner Fellowship for Jewish Leadership, as well as the Truman Foundations Fellowship.
Rabbi Sisenwine has distinguished himself in Bostons Jewish community and is known throughout the country as a spiritual leader, educator and advocate for social justice. He is a valuable contributor to several organizations including Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Rashi School, Cooperative Metropolitan Ministries, Mayyim Hayyim, and the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) where he currently chairs the Commission of Worship, Music, and Religious Living as Rabbinic Chair. Rabbi Sisenwine shares his life with Heidi, whom he met while they both were studying in Israel, and their three daughters, Talia, Halle and Jordyn in addition to over 3000 men, women and children that comprise the TBE family.
As a community we are blessed, and in turn offer blessings to our beloved Rabbi for his continued guidance, encouragement and sustaining vision.
PILLAROF
Temple Beth Elohim, a Jewish reform synagogue located in Wellesley, Massachusetts, attracts a diverse congregation composed of over 900 families drawing from more than 30 towns in the Greater Boston area.
TIKKUN
OLAM
TBE stands on three pillars: Torah life-long learning, Avodah faith, spirituality and worship and Gemilut Hasadim Social Justice, while creating and sustaining a meaningful, rich and engaging community. Our synagogue inspires congregational engagement through numerous educational,
MAKING THEWORLD
A BETTER
comforting and stimulating programs. TBEs sacred community strengthens connections to each other, to the synagogue and to surrounding Jewish and larger communities.
Temple Beth Elohims Pillar of Tikkun Olam Making the World a Better Place Award was established in 2012 to recognize the significant commitment and sustained contributions of an individual or organization in the greater Boston area. This honored individual or organization has successfully proven the pursuit of fostering interfaith understanding, encouraging humanitarianism, and/or promoting a social justice agenda to bring healing to our fractured world. This Award, which is intended to be given yearly in conjunction with the Temples spring Evening to Remember fundraising event, honors those who demonstrate a passion and willingness to build a body of good works in the pursuit of social change through personal, religious, and/or professional commitments. Recipients must be of good character as evidenced by involvement within their communities; must speak with authority as a result of their efforts; and must be acknowledged advocates for communal/world repair in any of the following realms; activism, business, education, entertainment, leadership, programming or religion. The first recipient of the Award is Rabbi Joel L. Sisenwine.
PLACE AWARD
Nominees are accepted throughout each year. The recipient will be selected by the Pillar of Tikkun Olam Making the World a Better Place Award selection committee comprised of TBE congregants and prior award recipients.
EVENT CHAIRS
Pam and Guy Forman Sheila and Irwin Heller Jackie Finard Hughes and Rob Hughes Judy and Richard Lappin
HOST COMMITTEE
MAZEL
Denise Sternburg Jennifer Stiller Louise Tarsy Harriet Warshaw Jessica Wolfe Denise Widman Joanne Zaiger
Marcy Balter Sue Brown Carol Clingan Betsy Kessler Andrea Finard Betty Goldberg Beth Nast
Laura Olton Rebecca Latimore Susan Lees Lisa Levine Rachel Rock Levy Terry Chen Rothchild Lisa Rothman
TOV
Thank you for all you have shared and taught us over the years. It has been our pleasure to honor you this evening with the Pillar of Tikkun Olam Award. We present to you these warm wishes from your grateful congregation, your loving friends and the extended community.
Judy and Dick Cannon Cantors Jodi Sufrin and Roy Einhorn Nancy Schwartz and Michael Levinger Alison Kur and Michael Oshins
Jane and Paul Rosenstein Rabbi Rachel and Doug Saphire Heidi Sisenwine TBE Brotherhood
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Jalene Buckner, Top Notch Events Bates Entertainment Group Israeli Berklee College of Music Students Max Ultimate Food
Rentals Unlimited Table Toppers of Newton Paul Zekos, The Zekos Group Carolyn Ross Photography
COMMUNITY SPONSORS
Brezniak & Rodman Century Bank Combined Jewish Philanthropies Office Resources Stantec
Denise Sternburg
Be of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace, loving humankind and bringing them near to the Torah.
Avot 1:12
WE LOVE YOU!
You are the BEST dad and husband in the world!
Yashir Koach and Todah Rabah to Rabbi Joel Sisenwine for all that you do for Temple Beth Elohim and for our entire community.
The Wallack Family
Dear Joel,
Whether it is leading us in a High Holiday service or on a tour of Jewish Spain, you have created so many meaningful moments and connections to Jewish living and TBE for us. Thank you so much for all you do for our community and for 13 years of warm and inspired spiritual leadership.
In celebration of Rabbi Sisenwine For his commitment to justice, compassion, education and an engaged community
Thank you for your unending Leadership, Warmth and Spiritual Guidance. Congratulations!
fondly, Jay, Marni, Lucas and Liam Grossman
The work of your heart, the work of taking time, to listen, to help, is also your gift to our community.
The first recipient of the Pillar of Tikkun Olam Award and for 13 years of devotion, leadership and extraordinary commitment and vision to TBE and the Boston Jewish Community. And to our friends at Temple Beth Elohim
Richard Perlman
Learn in order to teach, and it is given you to learn and to teach. Learn in order to do, and it is given you to learn and teach, to keep and do.
Pirkei Avot 4:5
Rabbi Joel, we honor your vision and cherish the sacred space we share to advance TBEs aspiration of Jewish living; creating a community experience where we learn, teach, keep, and do..together. Our heartfelt gratitude for your devoted Rabbinical Service to TBE and broader leadership within the Jewish community. With all our love, Nancy, Mark, Scott, Erica, Julie and Gila Belsky
We are proud to join Temple Beth Elohim in celebrating Rabbi Joel Sisenwine. Mazel Tov on having earned the First Annual Pillar of Tikkun Olam Award. May your congregation go from strength to strength. Nancy and Mark Belsky Ms. Susan B. Kaplan
TThe Levenson and Komessar families are so proud of Rabbi Joel Sisenwine on this terrific achievement. We believe that Joel exemplifies all of the important Jewish values that Dan Levenson strived to achieve during his life time. Joel's leadership has been invaluable to this community, which has set the highest bar for all of us. We look forward to sharing many rich and fulfilling years together.
Thank you for all you do to touch the lives of every member in our Jewish Community. We are grateful for your extraordinary dedication!
Harriet and Paul Krupp Kim and Eric Karofsky Matthew, Spencer and Brooks
Joel,
Congratulations on this well deserved honor. We feel blessed to have you as our spiritual leader, teacher and friend. You have truly enriched our lives.
on 13 years of building our Wellesley Temple into a vibrant, spiritual and giving community. We are thrilled to be a part of it.
Jerry and Suzi Kahn Larry, Stephanie, Drew and Allie Kahn
for your humanity and spirituality, for fostering the warmth in our community, and for your vision of Tzedakah and learning. Mazel Tov on this milestone.
Joel,
Thank you for your spirit, engagement and leadership at TBE and throughout the community.
The Bloom Family Terrie, Brad, Jessica, Eric, Ross and Liz
Thank you for being the catalyst to leading TBE to realize a remarkable vision.
Ron, Deborah, and Julia Feinstein Melissa, Will and Esme Gordon
Rabbi Sisenwine
You are truly a blessing to our congregation and an inspiration to all whose lives youve touched. You are the best!!
on 13 wonderful years with our community. Our spiritual leader...our community leader...and our lead-off hitter! We wish you a heartfelt RUACH!!
TBE I Softball Team
Dear Joel, Thank you for your warmth, wisdom, leadership and friendship.
We are proud to support Temple Beth Elohims Evening to Remember Honoring Rabbi Joel Sisenwine
Marshall M. Sloane, Chairman Barry R. Sloane, President & CEO Linda Sloane Kay, Executive Vice President David B. Woonton, Executive Vice President Gerald S. Algere, Senior Vice President
With love and appreciation for all you do, The Black Family Darren, Michelle, Evan, Emily, Scott and Alex
Allston Andover (coming soon) Beverly Boston Braintree Brookline Burlington Cambridge Everett Lynn Malden Medford Newton Peabody Quincy Salem Somerville Winchester
www.centurybank.com 866-823-6887
Equal Housing Lender / Member FDIC
Mazal Tov
Bud and Gloria Rose members since 1974 Denise Widman, Allan Lauer Jake and Eva
Mazel Tov
We look forward to many more wonderful years at TBE under Rabbi Joel's leadership.
to Rabbi Sisenwine and the Evening To Remember Committee for a Job Well Done.
Andie Finard
Congratulations to Rabbi Joel Sisenwine on receiving the Pillar of Tikkun Olam Award. We are grateful for your inspirational leadership!
Mazel tov!
Yoga is a light, which once lit, will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter the flame.
- B.K.S. Iyengar
Love, The Myers Family Chuck, Jessica, Sam, Ben and Josh
Yasher Koach Joel for guiding your TBE community for the past 13 years with wisdom, vision and kindness. Thank you for your commitment to building community and the Jewish people as we continue on our Jewish journey.
With sincere appreciation for your leadership. We feel blessed and proud to be a part of TBE.
Thank you for all you have done for our family and the congregation.
Rabbi Sisenwine
MAZEL TOV Rabbi, you are truly a Pillar of Tikun Olam. Thank you for inspiring us with your wisdom, kindness, spirituality and leadership. And thank you for making TBE what it is today.
Mazel Tov on the Annual Pillar of Tikkun Olam award. Your vision and leadership inspires us all!
Laurie & Larry Gerber The Stier Family Jen, Seth, Jared and Sarah
Ben Zoma said, "Who is wise? The one who learns from all people . . . "Who is mighty? The one who subdues the evil inclination . . . "Who is rich? The one who rejoices in his portion . . . "Who is honored? The one who honors other human beings . . . " Pirke Avot 4:1
Our heartfelt appreciation and thanks to Joel for your leadership and contributions to the Temple Beth Elohim Community. Your vision, knowledge, and caring inspire us all.
You have led by example. We are better people because you have been in our lives. May you live this way for the rest of your life. And, may many benefit as we have . . .
The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom And his tongue speaks what is right. The teaching of his God is in his heart His feet do not slip.
Psalm 37
Joel,
Thank you for both the wisdom and joy you have brought to us and our whole community.
Rabbi,
Through the ways you teach, guide and challenge us as a Congregation you have made Temple Beth Elohim a very special place. With your warmth, intelligence and wonderful partnerships with the Cantor and Assistant Rabbi, you have created a caring community, a real Makom!
"Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy" Proverbs 31:9
You walk the walk. We are proud to call you our Rabbi. Congratulations on your 13th year at TBE. May your good works and leadership continue for many more years to come.
With much appreciation and love, we look forward to the next 13 years, Susan, Michael and Alissa Tofias
Joel,
We feel blessed to have you as our rabbi and our friend. We look forward to many more years of learning, growing and sharing our lives with you in our Beit Elohim. With your vision and leadership, our entire TBE community will do great things. May you, Heidi, Talia, Halle and Jordyn go from strength to strength.
Rabbi,
Thank you for your wisdom, compassion and social leadership. Your distinctive spirit has helped make TBE such a warm and welcoming community.
from Mark, Gwenn, Adam Koppel and Brenda Haynes Oliver, Annie and Matt Snider
You inspire us as our Rabbi. You make us laugh and ponder life as our dear friend. Our world is truly repaired each day through your acts of kindness and care for our community. Mazel tov, Joel
Mazel tov, Joel! We are pleased to join in honoring our Rabbi in appreciation of your years of dedicated leadership, wisdom and warmth. May you go from strength to strength.
Love, the Levys Rachel, Josh, Alex, Isaac, Gabriel and Maxie
All good wishes from Jonathan, Amy, Jaclyn, Jacob and Beth Fleming
Enhorabuena a nuestro maravilloso rabino! T has infundido en nuestra comunidad los valores y la alegra de la fe juda. Con amor de tu congregacin en Espaa. Congratulations to our wonderful Rabbi! You have instilled our community with the values and joy of our Jewish faith.
With love from your congregants in Spain, Susan, Alan, Becca and Stephanie Solomont
Thank you for your inspiring leadership and vision for our congregation!
Sue and Mike Brown
Joel, Thank you for guiding us and inspiring us for the past 13 years! Mazel Tov on this milestone.
Warmly, Betty and Jerry Goldberg
Thank you for blessing our community with your compassion and wisdom, and making a true difference.
Dear Rabbi Sisenwine Kol Ha Kavod. Your righteous words and deeds are an inspiration to our family, Kehila and broader community.
Thank you! Faryl, Jon, Mykayla and Lev Sandler
Our community is lucky to have such a warm and welcoming Rabbi. Thank you for all that you do! You will always have a very special place in our hearts.
Terri Halperin and Michael Davidson
Mazel tov! We and our community are grateful and blessed to have you as our Rabbi. Mazel tov!
The Graves-Koenig Family
Congratulations Rabbi Joel Sisenwine! Ofce Resources, Inc. is proud to support Temple Beth Elohim.
Joel, Our lives are blessed because you are our teacher and our friend.
With admiration, gratitude and love, Alison, Mike, Abi, Jeremy and Zach
the chief religious official of a synagogue, trained usually in a theological seminary and duly ordained, who delivers the sermon at a religious service and performs ritualistic, pastoral, educational, and other functions in and related to his or her capacity as a spiritual leader of Judaism and the Jewish community. a title of respect for a Jewish scholar or teacher. Joel Sisenwine, Temple Beth Elohim; Wellesley, MA. You are a pillar in our community. Thank you for making our temple so special.
Love, The Tulman Family
3.
Roy, your "Bar Mitzvah Cantor" and Jodi congratulate you on this well-deserved honor.
Congratulations Rabbi Sisenwine on this prestigious honor. We are so proud to be a part of the special congregation at Temple Beth Elohim.
The Rosenblum Family Denise, Scot, Matthew and Eric
Rabbi Joel, alongside Cantor Jodi and Rabbi Rachel, We are grateful for the light you shine on all of us and to the world!
Beth, Bill, Adam, Nathan and Jared Nast
Dear Rabbi Sisenwine, Thank you for your incredible vision, leadership and wisdom for the past decade.
Best Wishes, Helene and Seth Gelber
Dear Joel, Thank you for providing Tikkun Olam to three generations of our family.
Suzanne and Alan Posner Fondly, Joseph, Terry, Alissa and Daniella Rothchild
We have known you as our assistant rabbi and rabbi over the past 17 years and value this special connection. We congratulate you and Heidi and your families on this memorable occasion at TBE!
With grateful appreciation to Rabbi Sisenwine for his inspirational leadership, and dedication to making TBE a community filled with love, learning and laughter.
Ilene and Richard Stellar
Thank you for your dedication, guidance, and inspiration. We are so blessed.
Truly, The Hughes Family Jackie, Rob, Molly and Izzie
In honor of Rabbi Sisenwine. Thank you for your amazing leadership of our TBE community!
Mazel Tov, Joel on your Bar Mitzvah year at TBE as our Rabbi and Guide
Gracias v'Todah Rabah, Judy and Al Bernstein
Thank you for your 13 years of wonderful service and we look forward to many more!
All the best, The Oltons Laura, Matt, Maddy and Jack
Thank you for your constant dedication and support to our temple. You are an inspiration to young and old alike.
The Briney Family
But let justice well up like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
Amos 5:24
anonymous
A truly heartfelt thank you for creating a wonderfully unique community we can all be proud to call our own. Best wishes on this special evening!
The Stiller Family
may you continue to go from strength to strength, successfully guiding our TBE community in carrying out acts of loving kindness.
Mazel tov, Paul and Judy Zorfass
Joel With appreciation and admiration We wish you a hearty mazel tov!
Les, Sandy, Jared, Jill, Evan and Rachel Goldstein
Mazel Tov Joel May you continue to inspire us to make this world a better place.
Mazel Tov!
The Temkin Family
Dear Rabbi, Thank-you for the caring, vibrancy and inspiration you have brought to our Temple Beth Elohim congregation.
Mazel tov, Beryl and Jesse Jupiter
With gratitude and appreciation for the light you bring to our community.
Joel And the old shall dream dreams and the youth shall see visions
Joel 2:28
Congratulations to Rabbi Sisenwine, event chairs, and the whole committee on such a success!
Joel, Your vision of a better world and your passion to make that vision possible are blessings to us all.
Mazel Tov on this well-deserved tribute! Judi and Alan Fanger
To Rabbi Sisenwine
We are so grateful for your support, wisdom, intelligence and good humor, and for enabling our family to live a fuller Jewish life through study, prayer and community action.
And of course, for helping carry the flag of the Phillies!
Mazel tov on this wonderful event! Nova, Peter, Sophie and Lily Biro
Thank you to Rabbi Sisenwine for his dedication and commitment to our community.
Dear Joel,
"He has told you, O man what is good and what God requires of you: Only to do justice, to love goodness, and to walk humbly with God" Micah 6:8
With love and pride, Mom and Dad (Fredda and Michael Klopfer)
Mazel Tov! May you continue to enrich our community with your wisdom and vision for many years to come.
Ilissa, Lon, Emily and Steven Povich
Joel Thanks for being a role model and a friend. We wish you much mazel in the years ahead.
Love, Erica Frank and Mike Sinert and Annie and Ari
With gratitude for all that you do. Rich, Wendy, Sam and Sophie Garber
Yasher Koach
The Wexelblatt Family
In Honor of Rabbi Joel Sisenwine In appreciation of his leadership and service to Temple Beth Elohim, to the Massachusetts clergy of all denominations,and to the Reform Movement.
Henry and Arlene Winkleman Rabbi Avi and Sara Greene Adam Winkleman
MAZEL TOV Rabbi Sisenwine on your Bar Mitzvah year at TBE. We are honored to be part of the TBE Community.
Stantec is proud to support Temple Beth Elohim, and Rabbi Sisenwines 13 years of leadership. One Team. Innite Solutions.
buildings | environment | industrial | transportation | urban land
Congratulations
Jodi and Andrew Slifka
Joel, Congratulations on this well deserved honor. Heidi, We know that behind every successful man is an amazing woman. Thank you both for all you bring to our community.
David and June Rokoff
Mazel Tov!
Kathy and Tony Starr
Joel,
You have touched our lives in profound ways. Thank you for being such an incredible Spiritual leader and for making TBE such a rich, vibrant and soulful community.
Beth, Marty, Allyson and Natalie Kramer
So much to celebrate. Thank you Joel for all that you do.
from the Bimah and the Beit Midrash in Israel and in Wellesley around the table and on the mat you encourage and inspire us to live our Jewish lives.
Todah Rabah! The Tobin Family
We honor and appreciate the dedicated work of Rabbi Joel Sisenwine for Temple Beth Elohim and the community.
Richard and Joanne Zaiger
THANK
YOU
MAZEL
TOV TODAH
RABAH
Ellen Glazer
Rhonda and Steve Glyman
David Dallaire
Honey Doctoroff
S. Nancy Simches
Joel and Deborah Slocum
Diane Lapon
Rabbi Jeffrey Lazar
Ann M. Raider
Deborah and Howard Raley
Paul Lesser and Karen McKoy Lisa and Brian Levine Betsy and Roger Mervis
Jeff and Amy Miller
Reinach family
Quinn Rosefsky
Heidi Vernon
Jim and Sharon Waldman
Susan Sabin
Carol Salter
Anki Wolf
Lauren and Drew Zalkind
TO OUR
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