Category Archives: Avodah

By: Ellin and Fred Cohen

A few years ago, the Beth El bulletin published a photograph of Jehiel lighting Hanukkah candles with a class from the Beth El Preschool.  A child with whom I am acquainted was in the class, so I asked the child to identify various people in the photo.  The child correctly identified classmates and teachers.  Then I pointed to Jehiel.  “And who’s this?” I asked.  Without hesitation, the child replied, “That’s God.”
    Yes, it’s cute, but when you think about it, it was an easy mistake to make.  Children are very quick to pick up on moral authority, and Jehiel has it.  That’s why I have an engraved sign on my desk that says WWJD:  What would Jehiel do?  He’s never needed to hold mountains over people’s heads or fling fire and brimstone.  His style is more along the lines of Isaiah: Come, let us reason together.  As a teacher and a preacher he has always proceeded out of compassion and urged others to do the same–to live up to the best in themselves.

Nikki Pusin

By: Nikki Pusin

Of course there was the bris, the bar mitzvahs and the weddings all officiated by Rabbi but while these were memorable lifecycle events nothing compares to our Rabbi walking down the hall at the hospital in St. Louis. Our son, Stephen, was involved in a lifethreatening accident and while Bob and I were at Stephen’s side, who could have imagined that Rabbi came to be with us and support us through that harrowing time. We have told this story hundreds of times and still get chills knowing that Rabbi flew to help Bob and me. Stephen, thank G-d, had the best medical care but WE have the best RABBI. Mazel tov on your birthday. We look forward to celebrating with you and Sylvia and the entire family.

Love, Mattye & Bob 

By: Mattye & Bob Gandel

By: Roz Diamond

By: Craig & Debby

By: Hilda Pressman