Elgin Rabbi Margaret Frisch Klein to be honored at national 'Celebration of Service'
The Academy for Jewish Religion will mark the contributions of alumni from three different classes who have been serving the Jewish community for 13, 25 and 50-plus years.
Rabbi Margaret Frisch Klein of Congregation Kneseth Israel in Elgin is among a group of rabbis and cantors from across the country who will be honored for their service this week as part of one Jewish seminary's mission to celebrate and embrace the full spectrum of Jewish tradition and observance.
On Thursday, March 16, at 7 p.m. ET in a virtual ceremony, the Academy for Jewish Religion in Yonkers, N.Y., will recognize 19 of its alumni for their significant service to their Jewish communities for more than a decade.
In addition to recognition of years of service for alumni, Rabbi Stephen A. Leon of El Paso, Texas, will receive the Marbeh Shalom Community Service Award for his work with the Jewish descendants of people who were forced to convert to Christianity during the Spanish Inquisition.
Additionally, Rabbi Michael G. Kohn will be recognized as ARC Alumnus of the Year.
The full list of honorees includes:
• B'Nei Mitzvah Class of 2010 for 13 years of service: Rabbi Melody Davis, Cantor Joan Finn, Rabbi Margaret Frisch Klein, Rabbi Paul Hoffman, Rabbi Irwin Huberman, Rabbi Molly Karp, Cantor Isabel Kopstein, Rabbi Enid C. Lader, Rabbi Moshe Rudin and Rabbi Ziona Zelazo.
• Mehadrin Class of 1998 for 25 years of service: Rabbi Mark Blazer, Rabbi Malka Drucker, Cantor Barbra Lieberstein, and Cantor Anna West Ott.
• Klei Zahav Class for 50-plus years of service: Rabbi Solomon Agin, Rabbi Jerry Cutler, Rabbi Howard Hersch, and Rabbi Stephen A. Leon.
Founded in 1956, Academy for Jewish Religion is a non-denominational Jewish seminary that ordains rabbis and cantors for all Jewish communities. It embraces the rich diversity within Judaism and equips students of all ages and backgrounds to lead and serve Jewish communities in an increasingly diverse and complex world through innovative and rigorous educational programming that deepens spirituality and cultivates vibrant connections.