2011 President's Address at Third Annual Dinner

Presentation of the Community Service Aware to Hila and Andrew Leibowitz

We begin our program this evening with the presentation of a special Community Service award to Hila and Andrew Leibowitz.

Hila and Andrew joined Kesher in 2007, when Andrew was recruited as the Youth Director. When I think back of what life was like before Hila and Andrew arrived, I honestly can’t even recall what we did without them. I don’t remember if we actually had youth groups. I can’t even remember if we had any kids!!

Hila and Andrew revolutionized our youth program, and they did this during a time when our shul saw a tremendous surge in the number of children attending groups on Shabbat morning. Hila and Andrew expanded and organized our youth groups. They increased our overall programming and events, including movie nights, Purim carnivals, Chanukah parties, sukkah decorating, Apple picking, sports events, and much more.

Hila and Andrew also instituted our world famous youth group “positive reinforcement” program, also known as systematic bribery, which has further increased our kids’ love of groups and shul…or at least their love of useless chachkes, baseball cards, back scratchers, and unhealthy snacks.

One of Hila and Andrew’s most significant accomplishments has been the creation and cultivation of our junior congregation, which in short time has far exceeded any of our expectations. It is a true joy to walk in and see our kids davening and learning and having fun with Andrew on Shabbat morning.

So, Hila and Andrew, we thank you for being the “ruach” of kesher and for helping our kids love shul. We thank you for giving of yourselves so that we can drop off our kids and then go downstairs to shul and occasionally daven.

More importantly, we thank you for treating our children like your own. We are tremendously grateful and we appreciate everything you do.

Address to 2011 Dinner Honorees MIchelle and Evan Sohn:

Tonight, we come together to give tribute to Michelle and Evan Sohn.

As you all know, Michelle and Evan have been a part of Kesher since its inception, or more accurately taking a word from my field, conception. Michelle and Evan have been an integral part of every aspect of Kesher’s vision, creation, development and growth over these past 10-plus years. Just to highlight a few of their achievements, Michelle has run the mishloach manot program, the Kiddush committee, and chaired the first Kesher Dinner in 2009. Evan served on the Board, was our second president, (or as I like to say, second idiot), started the Strategic Growth Committee, and was on the Religious Affairs Committee and Finance Committee. Together, through their foresight, Michelle and Evan single-handedly made it possible for us to acquire 2 Engle, which allowed us to consider the option of expanding. Remarkable.

When I was preparing these words, I was struck by two things about Michelle and Evan that stand out in regards to their devotion to Kesher.

First, they lead by example, and I mean even with the small things. It is one thing to set up and run a shul, but it is another to actually roll up your sleeves and involve yourself in the details. Whether it is always coming to minyan (even shabbos mincha), volunteering for smaller committees and events, hosting prospective families or new families, taking care of our building, or letting us exploit Justin as child labor, Michelle and Evan have shown all of us what it means to be a part of a community.

Second, they always have Kesher in mind. If you spend any time with Michelle and Evan, something about Kesher will certainly come up – an idea, a suggestion, a concern about someone else, a funny story, whatever. When you are around them, it is obvious how much they truly care about Kesher. Michelle and Evan have made the shul a part of their lives and consequently, they will always be a big part of what Kesher is.

On a personal note, they are wonderful friends and have been role models for me for what it means to be active in the Jewish community, how to balance achievement with humility, and leadership with inclusiveness. Thank you.

Before I call you up to receive your gift, we have prepared a video tribute in your honor, which I believe captures the essence of what you mean to Kesher.