Celebration for Les and Benjie
On June 9, 2024, from 4-7pm, we held a celebration for our Rabbi, Les Bronstein and our Cantor, Benjie Ellen Schiller. The sell out crowd meant over 500 people attended! Ellen Cutler Levy and Susan Ackerman did an extraordinary job creating an event that was warm, informal, freilich, beautiful and meaningful. There were musical interludes by Shirat Ha’am, (who sung a piece by Benjie with an original arrangement, and were conducted by our own Richard Hoffman), the Spielers, conducted by Merrill Rotter in dramatic style, and Beged Kefet (and they were joined by their long-time members Les and Benjie). The three beloved Bronstein-Schiller “kids” delivered a very humorous presentation. Ann Schaffer delivered a speech on behalf of the congregation which was eloquent, pitch-perfect and moving. Les and Benjie appeared to be enjoying the celebration, which is one of many events leading up to their retirement. Please scroll through the photos to get a feel for the afternoon/evening.
