God Squad Recipients – Recognizing Exceptional Service to Temple Israel

Last night we held Temple Israel’s Annual Meeting where we were reminded of the importance of Temple’s mission – to create community by cultivating sacred relationships, engaging in meaningful worship, providing challenging learning opportunities, and pursuing social justice for all people.   It was truly a memorable evening as we celebrated our collective achievements, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of our members, while renewing our commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Each year, we present the God Squad Award to individuals who have provided exceptional service to Temple Israel and it is with immense admiration that I recognize this year’s recipients.

The first recipient, Rita Dushman Rich, is a steadfast presence at our weekly services, but her involvement extends well beyond that to include leading and shaping various committees, including Worship and Music, Adult Education, and Social Action. Through these roles and more, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enhancing our communal worship and fostering educational growth.

Through her leadership of our festival education program, involvement in the Ryterband Brunch series, and commitment to the Newish to Jewish program, Rita is dedicated to educating both young and old alike, regardless of background. She is devoted to sharing our heritage with others and engaging in critical interfaith dialogue. Her role in training docents and her involvement in the JCC Upstander project further highlight her dedication to social justice and community involvement.

Though this description of her involvement is hardly exhaustive, I think we can all agree that Rita Dushman Rich’s enthusiasm for Judaism and tireless efforts to encourage a sense of community are truly commendable. We are proud to have such a passionate and committed individual among us.

Our next recipient, Teresa Wyman, is someone who makes things happen. She is a dedicated volunteer who brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and enthusiasm to all she is involved in.  As a leader in our congregation, she has shown unwavering commitment to our mission and care for our community. Teresa has served on Temple Israel’s Executive Committee and Cemetery Committee for years.  In these roles, she has been a calming voice helping navigate some difficult and sensitive conversations.

Teresa can take a small idea and develop it into an exciting and successful reality. When asked to host a Sukkah in the City at her home, she turned a rainy night into an opportunity to create a classy, sparkly sukkah wonderland in her home.  In 2019, Teresa accepted my invitation to create a warm and inviting space for congregants to gather for coffee or tea, or just to sit and schmooze.  Her impeccable taste in decorating has made the Common Grounds Cafe a comfy place that is used throughout the week, especially on Sunday mornings.      

It’s no secret that Teresa loves to create fun social opportunities.  She came up with the idea to host a congregational adult Purim party.  For two years in a row she’s given enormous amounts of her time and effort to create one of the most anticipated events of the year.  With her leadership, our great hall has never looked so beautiful!! 

For all of these reasons and so many more, we are incredibly happy to honor Teresa for her collaborative spirit, willingness to go above and beyond, and positive attitude.

What I have shared only scratches the surface of the involvement and commitment demonstrated by these two remarkable individuals. It is with profound appreciation that we honor Rita and Teresa for their unwavering dedication, which greatly contributes to making our Temple a welcoming sanctuary, brimming with shared values, mutual support, and a profound commitment to our Jewish heritage and traditions.

Mazel Tov!

CLICK HERE to read the full remarks regarding Rita Dushman Rich.

CLICK HERE to read the full remarks regarding Teresa Wyman.