2014–15 — Gary Davis, Jonathan Kislak, Michelle Sarason
Congratulations to Gary Scott Davis, Jonathan Kislak and Michelle Sarason, 2014–15 recipients of The Harry Gunther Service Award, which is presented to a deserving Beth Am member who has worked for the benefit of the Temple community in a way which would be considered “above and beyond.”
The award was presented at the Temple Beth Am Annual Meeting on April 26, 2015.
Gary Scott Davis has been Temple Beth Am’s Counsel for the past two years, and as such serves on the Temple’s Executive Board. He recently served as the Temple’s representative during contract negotiations for our next Senior Rabbi, Jeremy Barras. When he isn’t busy with Temple Beth Am activities, Gary is a partner in the Health Law Department of the Miami office of McDermott Will & Emery LLP and previously served as Chairman of the Board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida, Inc.
For some 18 months during 2013–2015, Jonathan Kislak served as Vice Chair of the Rabbinic Search Committee, which worked to lay the groundwork for the selection of a new Senior Rabbi. Jon’s parents are founding members of Temple Beth Am, and he has been an active member since his Bar Mitzvah in the original sanctuary, which later became the Suchman Social Hall and later remodeled as the Gymnasium in the Hessel Family Youth Complex. He is a principal at Antares Capital Corporation.
Michelle Sarason currently serves as Vice President of Membership, and has been a member of the Board of Directors for many years, most recently as Chair of the Membership Committee. She has been very instrumental in helping to rebuild the membership base of our congregation, working closely with Rita Diaz to develop genuine relationships with our members. Michelle is a Certified Wedding Planner, and served on the committee planning our fabulous 60th Anniversary Gala on April 18, 2015.
This award is named for Harry Gunther, a special man and founding member who made Temple Beth Am a high priority during his lifetime. His widow, Ethelle, remained an active member of the Temple Beth Am family for nearly 60 years until her death in 2013.