A warm smile, and an encouraging word – perfectly describes my friend, Rabbi Beth Kramer-Mazer, AJR’ s Dean of Admissions and Director of Placement. Mazal Tov on receiving the P’ nei Torah Faculty Award. I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of this honor. You are one of the bright lights that comprise the AJR faculty and Administration.
Kol HaKavod to my friend and colleague Cantor Rena Shapiro on your well-deserved selection as the ARC Alumna of the Year, and a Mazal Tov on your signing your new open contract. You are a wonderful Cantor, Teacher, and Friend. May you continue to go from strength to strength.
Todah Rabbah to my colleague on the AJR Board of Trustees, Rabbi Stephen M. Axinn, who is being honored with the Tomekh Temimim Board Service award. Your long experience in, and volunteer service to, the Jewish community, has now been directed to, and has created significant benefits for, AJR. Serving with you on the Board, I fully appreciate your efforts on our behalf, and I wholeheartedly support your receiving this well-deserved recognition. Kol HaKavod!!
And Yasher Koah to Temple Israel of Putnam Valley, and its members, who have generously decided to support future generations of Rabbis and Cantors at AJR even as their time as a community was coming to an end. May your foresight and thoughtfulness serve as an example for many others.
Rabbi Michael G Kohn( AJR‘ 09) AJR Trustee Emeritus
84 AJR 2025