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My children, Eli and Samantha, both committed
Jewish individuals in their own right, have been
wonderfully encouraging throughout, ever since
we first discussed this new possibility over lunch
many months ago. My parents, in whose home I
first came to learn moral precepts and how to live
a Jewish life, have continued their kind, loving,
and responsible guidance, and I am deeply grateful
that they are here to share in today’s celebration.
My sister, a respected colleague in the Reform
rabbinate, along with her family, has offered love
and insight at every turn. My father-in-law, and the
many, many rabbis and Jewish leaders in our family,
and, indeed, all the members of our extended
Panken-Messinger clan, have been there every step
of the way, as have all of our friends. I feel, at this
moment, greatly blessed.
The beautiful words you heard from the Chairman
of our Board, Irwin Engelman, and from the Chair
of our Presidential Search Committee, Martin Cohen,
convey the essence of our work together for the years
ahead. Already, I know what an unprecedented
blessing it is to serve the Jewish people with individ-
uals like Irwin, Marty, and our incoming Chair,
Andy Berger, by my side. Daily, I give thanks for
their wisdom, their insight, and the long view they
bring to what we do at the College-Institute.
When I stop to count my blessings, I am so grateful
for my constant companions on our talented senior
leadership team, for our amazing students who im-
press me regularly, for our renowned faculty mem-
bers – my teachers and colleagues – from whom
I have learned so much over the years, and for our
nearly 4,000 dedicated alumni around the world.
With our Governors and Overseers, supporters and
friends, they are truly an extraordinary gift to a new
President committed to building a bright future.
Your confidence in me means the world to me,
and it is only exceeded by my confidence in you.
I will do my level best, 24/6/365, to work with you
as we do today: in an inspiring and collaborative
partnership that seeks to better every facet of our
institution and the Jewish world.
We stand today at a moment of great potential –
one replete with enormous and exciting opportuni-
ties and yet also a few challenges. Working carefully
and effectively, the College-Institute and our Move-
ment have the ability to chart an inspiring course
“
One can feel the spirit of the extraordi-
nary professors and preachers, rabbis and
cantors, educators and scholars, whose
mighty acts of creating community and
transmitting knowledge shaped a vital
American Judaism that has stood the
test of time.”