By Madeline White
Each year during Temple Beth El’s Confirmation service, the Michelle Miller Award for Jewish Commitment is presented to teens who embody what it means to live Jewishly with purpose and community. Created by Joy and Dr. Fred Miller in memory of their daughter, Michelle, the award honors students who show deep dedication to Jewish life both in and beyond the synagogue.
This year’s recipients were Shane Peterson and Abby Sherman, members of the Confirmation Class of 5785 who have each helped shape our community through their leadership and passion for Judaism.
Shane converted to Judaism with his family in 2020 and has since become one of the most engaged teens at Temple Beth El. He tutors b’nai mitzvah students, assists in Hebrew classes, helps lead services with Patty Torcellini (Miss Patty), and sings in the High Holy Day teen choir. He's a member of LIBERTY, Temple Beth El’s youth group, and attended the Religious Action Center’s L’Taken Seminar in Washington, D.C., where he advocated for climate justice.
During the service, Shane introduced the V'shamru prayer and reflected on the importance of sacred rest. “Rest heals the body. Shabbat nourishes the soul,” he said. “It brings with it holiness, meaning, and sacred connection… After a long, chaotic week, stepping into Shabbat, whether in person or over the livestream, feels like flipping a switch into a different, more sacred rhythm.”
Abby Sherman is also a dedicated leader in Jewish life. She serves as a religitou school madricha, Hebrew class leader, Shabbat volunteer, and tutor. She’s a member of the LIBERTY board, active in BBYO, and co-authored a Charlotte Jewish News article following the L’Taken trip, where she spoke passionately on reproductive rights.
Abby shared how the book “Are You There God ? It’s Me, Margaret” shaped the way she thinks about G-d and prayer. “Margaret doesn’t grow up in a household with a religion... She talks to G-d kind of like a friend and tells G-d all about her life problems, ”Abby said.“ After reading this, it inspired me to say my prayers like this: ‘Are you there God? It’s me, Abby.’ Then I talk to G-d about things that I need help with, things I’m thankful for or things I’m looking forward to... I now think of G-d as a mentor and as a being that can guide me through life .”
Through their commitment to Jewish life and care for others, Shane and Abby carry forward Michelle Miller’s legacy with strength and grace. Their leadership reflects the heart of this congregation — one that emphasizes learning, builds connections, and lives its values together.
Mazel tov to Shane, Abby, and the entire Confirmation Class of 5785!
L to R: Shane Peterson, Joy Miller, Dr. Fred Miller, and Abby Sherman