by Rabbi John Moscowitz
On behalf of our President, Alan Garfinkel, and our Board of Directors, it is my privilege to officially inform our congregation that we have hired Debbie Spiegel as our Director of Education and Lindi Rivers as a part-time Chazzan Sheni, Cantorial Soloist.
No stranger to Holy Blossom Debbie, of course, has been our Interim Director of Education this past year. Previously, she was Assistant Director of Camp Ramah in Canada for 13 years. In addition, she taught at the Leo Baeck Day School and led Toronto’s March of the Living program to Poland and Israel. Having served as Supervisor of our Hebrew and Senior schools from 1987 to 1991 (in addition to teaching in our Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah program), Debbie knows us rather well. In her enthusiastic and capable hands, our School has seen significant movement and renewal just this year. Debbie is smart and responsive, possessed of a strong background of Jewish knowledge and much
experience in informal and formal Jewish education. Her leadership, organizational skills and capability as a role model have brought all around her to feel confident about the future of our School. Debbie is married to Randy Spiegel, and they have four children — Akyva, Miryam, Yael and Yaakov. We are extremely fortunate to have Debbie as our Director of Education. Should you wish to reach her at any time, don’t hesitate to call her (ext. 239), at the Temple, or e-mail dspiegel@holyblossom.org.
A new face on the bimah We are equally enthusiastic to add Lindi Rivers to our corps of professionals. When Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner prepared to go on sabbatical this past fall, he brought in Lindi as his substitute for that four-month period. The Cantor did so because of his previous knowledge of Lindi from the Lachan Choir, and as a Cantorial Soloist at various congregations in the Toronto area. Lindi more than filled the bill. She brought inspiring music, a beautiful voice and a steady, humble and engaging per-
Sat. Sept. 16 and Sun. Sept. 17, 2006 Hold this date and watch the next issue of the Bulletin for more details.
June 2006
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Sivan/Tammuz 5766
sonality on and off the bimah at Holy Blossom Temple. She has worked very well with all sectors of the congregation (the larger congregation, her colleagues, B’nei Mitzvah families, families in need and families at celebration). Lindi not only possesses the skills to be an outstanding cantor one day (she is currently studying with Cantor Maissner), but more specifically, has brought to our professional staff the capability to widen and deepen our relationships with the congregation. Lindi is married to Dr. Stephen Rivers and they are the parents of Camilo, Sophie and Talia.
Making Holy Blossom better In case it hasn’t been clear above, my personal confidence in both Debbie and Lindi is very high. Not only do they bring their individual talents and commitments to Holy Blossom, but they make each one of us — members of the congregation and those of us privileged to work here — better at what we do and who we are.
IN PERSPECTIVE
Welcome Debbie Spiegel and Lindi Rivers (officially)