Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel SprinCelebr tio WEEKEND honoring Bria R singer on his 10th Anniversary of Service and KI Sta with us for 25 Years: Anita Madnick | Helene WagmanJill Levine | José Dolmo | Sleen Rivera
2 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel proudly honors Brian Rissinger for 10 years of extraordinary service and Anita Madnick I Helene Wagman Jill Levine I Jose Dolmo I Sleen Rivera for 25 years of dedicated service 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend
April 7–10, 2016 3 Celebration Chairs Denise Soloff Robert Roseman Patron Dessert Reception Denise & Peter Soloff Scotch Tasting & Dinner Carey & Robert Roseman Marketing, Communications & Tribute Journal Andrea Denish Miriam Finkel Mark Pitkow Silent Auction Sue & Gary Fried Shabbat Dinner & Celebration Oneg Sonnie Katz & the Oneg Team Special Recognition Marlene Adler, Honoree PhotographsBonnie Klein, Capitol Steps Show Coordinator Janice Schwartz-Donahue, Honoree Bios
4 2016 Spring Celebration WeekendCelebration CommitteeAmy Brantz Bedrick Elaine Pitkow Ellen Bildersee Ali Reich Jenn Cheifetz Betty Cohen Rabbi Stacy Rigler Lynn Rosen Ann Klein Cohen Wendy Comisar Carey Roseman Diane Rosenthal Barb Cutler Jim Rosenthal Andrea Denish Lynore Eisman Rachel Rubin Miriam Finkel Susan Becker Rubin Gary Fried Rachel Schwartz Sue Fried Marijke ShenkmanRobin Fine Furman Joan Myerson Shrager Naomi Godel Donna Keller Karen Sirota Bonnie Klein Peter Soloff Dottie Klein Leah Stein Marilyn Koff Kelly Sussman Aaron Krauss Rabbi Lance Sussman Evonne Kruger Liz Sussman Karen Langsfeld Liz Taylor Caryl Levin Ellen Tilman Cantor Amy Levy Colette Tomeo Arnold Meshkov Marnie Wildman Norma Meshkov Andrea Yarnoff Diane Miller Martin Yarnoff Murray Miller Michael Yarnoff David Pinsky Michele Yarnoff Nate Zinberg
April 7–10, 2016 5 Special HonoreesWe honor & express our appreciation to all KI staff members who help keep us strong! Sallie Olson & Ellen Tilman, in particular, have provided part-time educational support for more than 25 years; Sallie as an instructor & tutor, Ellen as the librarian & teacher.We honor our staff for their loyalty, exemplary service & dedication.
6 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend Brian, Sleen, Jose, Helene,Anita and Jill, I want to thank each of you for your long, dedicated service to KI. You make working at Keneseth Israel a pleasure and, by doing so, make our synagogue a better place for its members and the community at large.We are a true team and I know every day that you are there to help, encourage and do your best. It is an honor and a joy to be your colleague. Brian - You are tireless in your efforts, which is a good thing because your work is literally without end. You areguided by your deep belief in fairness and kindness.You are deeply loyal, always fairand, as the Good Book says,“slow to anger.”. Thank you for partnering with me onthe Senior Staff and always giving it “your all”.Anita - You are always loving, devoted and caring.You know and care about the“heart” of everyone who comes into your office. Every B’nai Mitzvah child, everyparent, even every clergy - especially me - benefit daily from your warmth anddevotion. No thanks are adequate and remember, the word “retirement” does not existin your vocabulary.Helene - Everyday I come in to check on you and our “accounts receivable”. Everyday I find you at your desk - cheerful, positive and focused. Your wonderful sense ofhumor makes the work go easier for all of us.Sleen - Gracias por todo que haces. Gracias por todas las cosas adicionales que siempretú haces. ¡Gracias por darme periódicos españoles cada semana! Felicitaciones y queDios te bendiga!Jose - Gracias por todo tu trabajo y por ser tan amable. Gracias por ser paciente. Gracias por enseñarme una palabra nueva en español todos los días. Felicitaciones yque Dios te bendiga!Jill - Last but not least, thank you for your many years of dedication to KI andespecially its children. Every day, I know I can count on you to give your heart incaring for our youngest, help colleagues and go the extra mile. KI is a better placebecause of you.To all our honorees, to all of my fellow staff members of every “duration” at KI, thankyou for making my work more meaningful and our synagogue a deeper, kinder place.It is a joy to be together on the same team. May all of you be blessed with peace,happiness and good health!Warmly,Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, Ph.D.Senior RabbiReform Congregation Keneseth Israel
April 7–10, 2016 7 Dear Anita, Brian, Jose, Sleen, Jill, and Helene, I am honored to extend a Mazal Tov to all of you! How grateful we are for your gifts of love, hands and heart. Thank you for your warmth, devotion and loyalty to KI. Anita: You support all I do in our sacred synagogue work. You answer the phone with your heart, assuring that eachcongregant’s need is attended to.You make sure I am in the right place at the righttime, and call me again to confirm. Everyday I look forward to being embraced byyour smile and spirit.You understand the importance of making a difference and youoffer wise, sensible guidance. I am truly grateful for you and your 25 years of loyaltyto KI.Brian: Whether it is a run to get my tallit or helping balance my Sacred Music budget,you are there for support.You are the kindest administrator we could ask for, dedicatedto helping every congregant.You partner with our clergy so that our programs andservices happen successfully. I feel incredibly blessed to work beside you.Your spirit isgenerous and loving; you are the roof over us all.Thank you for all you do for ourKI community!Helene: You help our community keep its balance – and not just our finances! Thankyou for your kindness to me and my family, greeting our kids with a smile, a toy orcandy.Your warmth means so much to everyone.We are very blessed to have you!Jill: Thank you for your years of nurturing the KI children, especially our own.You guide and inspire in them a love for Judaism and the Jewish people.You have agenerous spirit, and are always there to help, often without being asked.Thank you for25 years of dedication to KI and our children.Jose: Thank you for all your help - always with a smile.Your work is done with heartand caring, especially in transforming my new office! Thank you for supporting ourcountless programs and for your 25 years of devoted service.Sleen: I am grateful for your dedication that helps create such amazing KI programs,coordinated with your hands and heart! For you, every program is the mostimportant, needing your immediate attention.Thank you for being there for me,even for last minute requests, and for your 25 years at KI.You are a friend to alland a best friend to KI.With much love and appreciation,Cantor Amy E. Levy
8 2016 Spring Celebration WeekendAnita, Helene, Jill, Jose and Sleen,KI has been blessed to have you supporting this holy placeand building up our walls for so many years. Thank you forall you do to support KI, and all you have done as a friendto our family. Joshua Ben Prachiya would say: Make for yourself a teacher, acquire for yourself a friend, and give every person the benefit of the doubt.Brian,You have been my teacher and my friend.You have taughtme how to truly listen and seek to understand everyone weare blessed to work with, and those congregants to whomwe offer our sacred service.Thank you for helping me dothis meaningful work.Stacy
April 7–10, 2016 9Dear Brian,Anita, Helene, Sleen, Jill and Jose,One of KI’s Core Values is Kehillah, which is the Hebrew word for“community”. According to our tradition, the community of theJewish people is made up, not only of those who are Jewish, butall those who give their time and energy to make the communityfunction. When we come together under the unified purpose of doingGod’s work in this world, the community becomes a Kehillah Kadosha,a “holy community.” By bringing your heart and soul to KI every day,you each play an integral role in transforming what can sometimesfeel like ordinary tasks into the magical moments that are createdthroughout our entire building to add the spark of the holiness ofour congregation.Thank you all for your years of dedication and service to KI. Youare the foundational pillars that support our community. You have alltaught me how to become a better rabbi, and for that I am eternallygrateful! From you I have learned the importance of greeting andhonoring our youngest congregants, how to deal with difficult pastoralissues, the art of organization and the ins and outs of taking care of ourspiritual home.Mazel Tov on this honor! You have each earned the recognitionshowered upon you this weekend and then some.Rabbi Kevin M. Kleinman
10 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend Dear Jill, The entire KI Preschool – our staff, families, children and previous generations – all join me inwishing you a tremendous MAZAL TOV on being honored for yourmany years of service to our synagogue, its children and students! Yourdedication, loyalty and many talents are recognized and appreciated byall of us. We know that you are always there for us and the honor youare now receiving represents just a fraction of the gratitude we wantto express to you. Jill, everyone at Preschool loves you! Thank you forbeing you and sharing “you” with us!The whole Preschool community also extends its congratulations andthanks to our Executive Director, Brian Rissinger, for his steady supportof our program; to Sleen and Jose for their continued efforts to keepour school clean and well supplied; and to Anita and Helene in theSynagogue Office for doing the “business” of Preschool sowell everyday!We are blessed to have so many wonderful people who not only workat KI but truly care for the synagogue, its families and most of all, itschildren! On behalf of the entire Preschool, thank you.We wish youmany more years of good health and happiness.Warmly,Liz Z. SussmanDirector, Preschool
April 7–10, 2016 11Our Honorees BRIAN RISSINGER Becoming a synagogue Executive Director wasn’t something I dreamed of when I was 5, growing up in a small farm town in southwestern Ohio or at age 20, following a move to Philadelphia or even at 30 years of age. But in 1989 I left Federation Day Care Services (FELS) and became the Executive Director for Main Line Reform Temple.During my time at MLRT, I told Keneseth Israel Executive Director BillFerstenfeld that I would only leave MLRT for KI. In 2006, that statementbecame a reality! I could not have imagined a decade filled with so manyof life’s twists and turns.The constant during this time is the incrediblecommitment and dedication of the talented people with whom I haveworked – present and past – senior staff, administrative staff, facilitiespersonnel, educators and lay leaders.We work hard, have fun and build onone another’s talents.I am honored to serve the Reform movement as an officer and boardmember of the National Association for Temple Administration (NATA).I also serve as the chair of the Interfaith Coalition on Energy. In my sparetime, I enjoy playing racquetball.I am incredibly proud of my 4 wonderful adult children and theirspouses – Aaron (Hannah), Sarah (Angus), Hannah (Carl) and Naomi.My grandchildren Joshua,Abigail and Owen are a genuine delight.
12 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend Our Honorees ANITA MADNICK It is unbelievable that on May 19, 2016, it will be 26 years since I started working at KI. I began in the Religious School Office and the Administrative Office, and for the last 17 years in the Clergy Office. The one constant in my KI life is our Bar and Bat Mitzvah program. I have always felt blessed to be part of this process, especiallyseeing children come into the Clergy Office to get their Torah portion, andthen again as young adults at the time of their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. It’s even moreamazing to see these young people come back years later asking for one of ourclergy to officiate at their wedding. I always ask the same question,“How didyou get older, when I didn’t?” My biggest blessing is being able to share in ourcongregants’ life cycles, weddings, births, celebrations and unfortunately eventhe sad times.We, as “junior staff,” share a bond that you don’t find in every office.We alwayshave each others’ backs, which helped make our difficult times a little easierand our celebrations more joyful. Even after you stop working at KI you stillremain an integral part; We are still family. KI has the greatest clergy staffEVER. Our maintenance men are always there to lend a hand whenneeded.We even get an opportunity to see the preschool children onShabbat mornings.I thank Bill Ferstenfeld for hiring me, and Brian for keeping me.Thankyou to all my co-workers for making KI a rewarding place to work.And tomy husband Murray, thank you for understanding about my love of KI andwanting to stay after the evening whistle blows.Time not spent at KI is spentwith my family, three beautiful daughters and son-in-laws and six wonderfulgrandchildren!
April 7–10, 2016 13Our Honorees HELENE WAGMAN On August 11, 2016, I will have completed 29 years of working at KI. After teaching for 15 years, I never thought I would still be working for 29 more years at one job. We joined in 1973. My family grew up at KI. Our daughters celebrated their Bat Mitzvahs, Confirmations and weddings here. I watched two of my grandchildren play outside from my office window at the nursery school. Theybecame a Bar & Bat Mitzvah, Confirmed and participated in the youthprograms thus shaping their Jewish identity.My KI relationships have grown and become like family. They have helpedme through many of the most difficult times in my life and enhanced the mostjoyful celebrations.The Clergy, along with Bill and Brian, maintenance staffand co-workers have been comforting and supportive, creating an enjoyableand fun work atmosphere.I have shared this journey with my husband, Bob, who has listened,laughed and loved me through it all. So here’s to 30 plus years andthanks for the memories.
14 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend Our Honorees JILL LEVINE KI is literally my second home! I have been a teacher in the preschool for 30 years. I have twins that started in the preschool and continued at KI through their Confirmation. My granddaughter was in the infant center, and now attends JQuest preschool class. I also taught in our religious school for over 20 years, and three years ago I became the Madrichim (teen aide) coordinator. Ironically, some of mypresent teen aides were in my preschool class.I love what I do, and the most important aspect of my teaching is connectingwith so many wonderful families over the years! Many still keep in touch, andshare many important events and accomplishments with me! JOSÉ DOLMO Facilities Staff Member José Dolmo started working at KI in 1988. The Facilities Supervisor, Felix Brown, hired him. Felix gave José a trial run, as part of the staff, and after a few months said,“I like the way you work!” José said KI was a very busy place at the time and there was lots of work as B’nai Mitzvah parties were held during the week. “Sleen”took over as his boss soon afterwards and they have worked together foralmost thirty years.José was born in Honduras and served for over six years in the army beforecoming to the United States. His future wife, Norma, first came to the U.S.while he was in the service. She returned to Honduras after a few years and
April 7–10, 2016 15 Our Honoreesthey were married in a civil ceremony on May 23, 1983. Soon after that theyleft to settle in the Philadelphia area. This coming May, José and Normaare going to renew their wedding vows, this time in a church ceremonysurrounded by their friends and family.José and Norma have two sons, Robert and Jonathan, and five grandchildren!They live in Northeast Philadelphia and have lots of family they visit inBoston and New York City. José says he loves working at KI, that Sleen is agreat boss, and that he is always treated just like family. SLEEN RIVERA Facilities Manager Epifanio “Sleen” Rivera has been working at KI since January of 1977 and always has something to smile about! The “best thing” about working at KI is that “since day one” he was made to feel like family. Born near Ponce in Puerto Rico, Sleen later moved to San Juan and spent part of histeenage years working in a restaurant. He moved to the Philadelphia area withhis uncle in 1967 looking for greater opportunity. His father gave him thenickname “Sleen” after a famous baseball player named Roy Sleen and thename stuck! As a child, Sleen played Little League baseball in Puerto Rico,and later on in life boxed in Golden Gloves competitions.He was hired by KI 39 years ago, moved his family into the upstairs apartmentat KI in the 90’s and lived there until eight years ago when he purchased hisown home nearby. He and his wife Gloria raised their two daughters righthere at KI. His older son, Mike Rodriguez, also works for KI, as well as one ofhis grandsons.When asked if he was ever going to retire, Sleen just shook his head and said,“No, if they throw me out I know how to get back into the building!”
16 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend Congratulations Grandpa! Love, Joshua & Abigail Rissinger & Family
April 7–10, 2016 17 NATA National Association for Temple AdministrationApril 2016The word MENSCH, usually translated as “a good person,”has a much deeper meaning when used to describe BrianRissinger. The word mensch is derived from Yiddish andGerman words meaning “human being”, and perhaps the bestdescription of a mensch is a person with the most admirableof human qualities: respect, integrity, responsibility, a sense ofpurpose, an appreciation of right and wrong, and fundamentaldecency. A mensch treats others with respect, finds joy inbeing kind and helpful, loves learning, and has a healthy drivefor success. Brian Rissinger is truly a mensch.We, in NATA, are proud to call him our colleague and ourfriend. We know Brian as a respected leader, supportivementor and treasured friend. Brian has mentored generationsof NATA colleagues, individually and through his developmentof our Leadership Development program. As an officer on theNATA Board, he leads with vision, intelligence and humor (anddon’t forget his melodic deep voice). True to his deep sense ofintegrity and humanity, he has committed to creating a code ofethics for NATA and its members. In everything he does, Brianis a mensch – our mensch (and yours).On behalf of all of his NATA colleagues and friends, we extenda heart-felt mazel tov to Brian on his 10 years as KenesethIsrael’s Executive Director. We look forward to many moretogether.Sincerely,Janice Rosenblatt, FTANATA PresidentNATA I P.O. Box 936 I Ridgefield, WA 98642 I Office: 1-800-966-NATA I www.nata.net
18 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend Congrats to Brian Rissinger & Anita Madnick Helene Wagman Jill Levine Jose Dolmo & Sleen Rivera for their commitment to our wonderful synagogue. from Judy & Mickey Langsfield
April 7–10, 2016 19 We appreciate all that BRIAN RISSINGER ANITA MADNICK HELENE WAGMAN JILL LEVINE JOSE DOLMO & SLEEN RIVERA do to make KI the warm, welcoming, wonderful synagogue that it is. Thank you for your many years of service.It is a pleasure to honor you, Caryl and Mike Levin
20 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend Brian Anita Helene Jill Jose Sleen Our heartfelt thanks for all each of you do to keep Congregation Kenesth Israel the vibrant & warm home we know. Each of you plays a unique but important role, & we appreciate your loyalty & ongoing service. Marc & Marjorie Cohen
April 7–10, 2016 21 The Mayer Family salutes Brian Anita Helene Jill Jose & Sleen for all the yearsof wonderful service. Mazel Tov!
22 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend It is our special honor to thank Brian Anita Helene Jill Jose Sleen for their many years of dedication and important work on behalf of the entire KI family. Rita Poley & Herb Altman
April 7–10, 2016 23Peace on Earth from Shanlee & Norman
24 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend Peter and Denise Soloff celebrate & honor Brian Rissinger for 10 years of dedicated, caring and thoughtful service to the KI Community & Anita Madnick, Helene Wagman,Jill Levine, Jose Dolmo & Sleen Rivera for 25 years of dedicated, loving & important service to the KI Family “We must find time to stop & thank the people who make a difference in our lives” John F. Kennedy
April 7–10, 2016 25 Arnold & Norma Meshkovcongratulate all of this year’s honorees Brian Rissinger & Anita Madnick Helene Wagman Jill Levine Jose Dolmo Sleen Rivera for all of their excellence &dedication to our synagogue Keneseth Israel
26 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend To Brian, Anita, Helene, Jill, Jose & Sleen Mazal Tov & thanks to ALL of you for putting your heart and soul into your work at KI all these years. You keep this great place running! P.S. And specifically to Anita from your “other Donna,” much love and many thanks for all you do every day for KI and for our newsletter! It is wonderful to work with you! The Keller Family Donna, Stefan, Ben & Ruby
April 7–10, 2016 27THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO, EVERYDAY and in EVERY WAY BRIAN - HELENE - JOSE - JILL – SLEEN - ANITAWE HAVE THE BEST WORK FAMILY! REALLY…SERIOUSLY… SINCERELY, THE SALTZBURGSPamela, Robert, William, Jacob & Shayna
28 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend THE RESULTS ARE INTo Brian:Congratulations on your 10th Anniversaryat KI! With apologies to all KI staff, you havethe hardest job at KI, answerable to all theconstituents of synagogue life - inside and out!! How lucky we are to have you at KI and as ourdear friend!!To Anita, Helene and Jill:25 years - Amazing! You have all touched ourfamily in significant ways over those years- with support, a willing ear to listen, earlychildhood affection and care for our kids and,most importantly, friendship!! Congratulations!!Para Sleen y Jose:Felicidades en su aniversario con KI! No podemos creer que 25 años han pasado!Que suerte para KI que ustedes son parte denuestra comunidad! WE HAVE DECLARED A WINNER: KI Carey & Robert Roseman
April 7–10, 2016 29 The Levine family would like to thankBrian and the KI honoreesfor all of the hard work thatyou do in our community.
30 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend Aaron, Jonathan & Samantha Krauss Thank Their “Jewish Stars”
April 7–10, 2016 31 To the best keepersof our home.
32 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend To all the Honorees, Anita, Brian, Helene, Jill, Jose, & Sleen thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the whole Keneseth Israel family. Lois & Marvin Finkelstein
April 7–10, 2016 33 We are proud to honor Brian Rissinger for his 10 years of service to our beloved KI & Anita Madnick, Helene Wagman,Jill Levine, Jose Dolmo & Sleen Rivera for their 25 years of dedication. A well deserved recognition for all, Joan and Leonard B. Shore
34 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend Thanks Miriam Finkel
April 7–10, 2016 35 Mazal Tov to Brian Rissinger & the stafffor their dedication to KI
36 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend Congratulations to Brian & Anita Madnick, Helene Wagman, Jill Levine, Jose Dolmo & Sleen Rivera for your many years of service & commitment in making KI the synagogue it is. Michael & Michele Yarnoff
April 7–10, 2016 37 Thank youfor your friendship & dedication over the years. Mazal Tov! Sue & Gary Fried
38 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend Alan Fried & Susan O. Michener are delighted to toast Brian Rissinger along with the other Honorees on a Job Well Done!!!
April 7–10, 2016 39 Congratulations Brianon a job well done! Fondly Joyce & Ben Fishbein
40 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend Steve Jobs said, “The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is Great Work. & the only way to do Great Work is to love what you do!” Thanks for all your love & dedication to KI! Janice Schwartz-Donahue & Joseph Donahue
April 7–10, 2016 41 Congratulationsto all of you who have helped create the atmosphere of warmth and caring in this congregation. Our best wishes, Myrna & Howard Asher
42 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend Congratulations to Brian Anita Helene Jill Jose Sleen Thank you for your dedication to KI, Ruth & Jack Ringlestein
April 7–10, 2016 43 Master of the house Candles always bright Brian is the fellowWho always gets it right. Stan & Lois Singer
44 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend Congratulations & Thank You to Brian for everything you do! & to Anita, Helene, Jill, Jose & Sleen for your kindness & help! Ellen & Neil Sklaroff
April 7–10, 2016 45 Brian Anita Helene Jill Jose SleenThank you for all you have done to make Keneseth Israel such a great synagogue. Evonne & Isaak Kruger
46 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend Congratulations & Thank You to Brian Rissinger and to Anita, Helene, Jill, Jose & Sleen for their lengthy and dedicated service to KI. We appreciate all you do for all of us! The Gable Family Sundee, Steve, Sami & Becca
April 7–10, 2016 47 Mazel Tov to our Honoreesfor all you do in support of Keneseth Israel. Lynore & Elliot Eisman
48 2016 Spring Celebration Weekend Dear Honorees, Brian & Anita Helene Jill Jose Sleen Congratulations & thank you for your tireless & continuous efforts here at KI! Thank you also for making KI such a special place! We wish you continued success, good health, & good times! Sincerely, Bob Kahn & David Pinsky KI Brotherhood
April 7–10, 2016 49 Congratulations to Brian Rissinger for an honor so well deserved! And wow - hats off to Anita Madnick, Helene Wagman, Jill Levine, Jose Dolmo, & Sleen Rivera for their 25-year commitment to KI & to their fine work on behalf of us all! With thanks & great appreciations, Emily & Howard Greenberg
50 2016 Spring Celebration WeekendTo the staff of all five, a fine working crewOur thanks for your jobs so well done tooAnita, Helene, Jill, Sleen, & JoseYou make KI work day after dayTo you all, honors we extendAll our best wishes to you we send!Brian,As Executive Director you are second to noneAs Gentleman & Scholar you are Number One.You’ve earned the applause for your years at KISo our wishes to you do sincerely apply.Go forward in strength & in good health tooFor this honor we say “Congratulations to You!”With Love & Respect,Bobbi & Dick Weiss
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