Congregant of the Year

Ursel Salinger, z"l was a woman who loved this community and being there for others. Ursel was a fixture in the synagogue office, volunteering in any way possible. Once a week, you'd find her calling congregants who had a birthday or simha because she wanted the community to feel loved. When Ursel passed, the Board of Directors named the Congregant of the Year award in her honor. Each year, our Congregation honors one individual who has gone above and beyond to add value to our Beth Am community. Our Ursel Salinger Congregant of the Year is awarded before our community at High Holy Day Services to thank that one special individual for all of his/her contributions.

This year’s congregant of the year, Dr. Robert "Bob" Stein has been a dedicated member since 2014 – marking nearly a decade of invaluable contributions to the community. Bob's impressive quality of being able to see something or someone that needs help, and step in to do so, has made him stand out and take the lead in many places within Beth Am. Whether it is to make our sanctuary and the things in it more beautiful, or to ensure that the people who participate in our service as Torah readers or who come for an aliyah feel comfortable and welcome, he puts all of his effort and passion into this tasks.

Bob serves on the Gratitude Committee, and his thoughtful efforts have helped cultivate a culture of appreciation that enriches our communal bonds. Bob has also stepped up in an amazing way by organizing and facilitating our Gabbaim, which ensures that our services unfold seamlessly Shabbat morning. With humor and grace he leads our Gabbai team, handling scheduling and helping Rabbi Kornberg with training. 

Bob's dedication resonates with the very essence of Ursel Salinger's ethos – the commitment to nurturing an inclusive, thriving community. His tireless efforts remind us that the strength of a community lies in the contributions of individuals who generously offer their time, energy, and compassion. Enormous thanks to Robert Stein and all of the previous volunteers for everything you’ve done for Beth Am.