Talmud Torah Award Shabbat

Sheri Lieberman

It is a true honor to receive the Dr. Lenore Kipper Talmud Torah Award. I have always valued the education Judaism offers, from Hebrew and Torah study to Talmud and Jewish history, thanks to my parents who instilled this love of learning in me and my sisters. After moving to Miami, I sought out Jewish studies and even took a conversion course to deepen my knowledge. I am a graduate of the Melton School and began attending Bagels and Bible at Congregation Bet Breira, which supported a lifelong passion for Jewish learning. Since joining Temple Beth Am eight years ago, I’ve had the opportunity to study with Rabbi Barras, Rabbi Aklepi, and Rabbi Greengrass, which has enriched my understanding of Torah. Through discussions with fellow congregants, my Jewish identity has grown stronger. I’ve always been committed to Jewish leadership, serving as BBG President in Michigan, President of Congregation Bet Breira, and currently as President of Temple Beth Am Sisterhood. I’m grateful for the opportunities to continue my Jewish education at Temple Beth Am, and receiving the Talmud Torah Award is truly meaningful to me.

Abraham Benyunes

I grew up attending Shearith Israel, the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue in New York City, where my family and friends were deeply involved. Occasionally, I would go with my mother and grandmother to the nearby Ashkenazi synagogue for Yizkor, as it wasn’t part of the Sephardi/Portuguese liturgy. When I moved to Washington, DC for medical school, I began attending a large Conservative synagogue, which was a cultural shift for me with its mixed seating, organ music, and a professional choir that included both men and women. The rabbi, Stanley Rabinowitz z”l, took notice of me and introduced me to the ideology and theology of Liberal Judaism. Over time, I’ve come full circle, and now, with my family, I am a member of a Reform congregation. However, Temple Beth Am is not your typical Reform congregation. From the moment we joined, I was impressed by the abundance of opportunities to deepen our Jewish knowledge and commitment, such as weekly Torah study, Torah Tonight, and Sunday Salon. I am truly grateful to the clergy and leadership for ensuring the success of Conservative services for the High Holy Days and Shabbat, and I feel honored, as a relatively new member, to receive this recognition amidst so many long-time congregants dedicated to Jewish learning.