2024 Shem Tov Award Recipients

Rhoda Rubin Sakowitz is a talented artist of Judaica. Students around the country become B’nai Mitzvah in the embrace of her hand-painted silk tallit, while couples share their wedding vows beneath her original silk chuppahs.

Rhoda has attended Bethlehem Hebrew Congregation (BHC) for over 80 years and has been an active and engaged volunteer there for the majority of her adult life. She grew up in her family’s summer house next door to the synagogue, where her father Barney was the longtime president and her mother Dorothy, the Sisterhood president. During her high school years Rhoda chose Hebrew as her foreign language. She was a thoughtful and respected member of the synagogue Board while BHC navigated the see-saw challenges of an active summer population balanced by a small but mighty year-round membership. She was a mainstay of BHC sisterhood and Synagogue events, from decorating the sanctuary in blooms from her gardens, to organizing onegs or gala entertainments.

Also active at Temple Beth El of Sudbury, MA and later Temple Sir Tikva of Wayland, MA, Rhoda sang in the choirs, organized chavurah, and had the joy of becoming an adult Bat Mitzvah surrounded by her children and grandchildren. An art teacher and interior decorator, Rhoda has always been able to brighten any room with stunning and friendly smiles. She is the widow of Dr. Stanley Sakowitz, mother to Nicole (Bill) and Craig (Sharon) and grandmother to Zachary, Wyatt, Talia, Elana and Ari.

As a member of Chabad’s security team, Emil Campeanu embodies community service and dedication through his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our congregation during services, Hebrew school sessions, and programs. His selflessness and unwavering support have not only safeguarded our community but have also set a remarkable example of volunteerism and devotion.

Emil’s role in volunteering for Chabad’s security has been indispensable. His vigilance and attention to detail maintain a secure environment where our congregation can gather without fear.

Beyond his duties, Emil fosters a sense of camaraderie among our members with his warm demeanor and willingness to go above and beyond his responsibilities. Whether offering a reassuring smile to visitors or lending a helping hand to those in need, Emil consistently demonstrates a deep-seated commitment to the well-being of others.

His presence during Hebrew school sessions is particularly impactful, creating a secure atmosphere that reassures parents and enhances the educational experience for our children. Emil’s selfless commitment embodies the essence of the Shem Tov Award, so we nominate Emil Campeanu in recognition of his outstanding contributions to our community.

Emil Campeanu was born in Romania to Holocaust survivors. In 1973, he and his family made Aliyah to Israel, where he completed his studies, served in the IDF, and married his wife, Sonia. In 2000, Emil and his family relocated to Southern New Hampshire. They have two children, Tivan and Ofir, and two grandchildren.

Gary was born in Washington, DC and grew up with his parents and three brothers in a small town, Thurmont in Frederick County, MD. They were the only Jewish family in town; attended services, Bar Mitzvah-ed in Frederick. He was an All-County hoopster as a high school senior. Gary graduated from Western Maryland College, now known as McDaniel College, and medical school at University of Maryland. Gary’s internship was at Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, NY. He served two years in the National Health Service Corps at a small rural Family Medicine Clinic, which he and colleague Steve Johnson started, in southern West Virginia. Gary moved to Keene in 1976; practiced Family Medicine in Keene, Brattleboro, VT, and Maplewood Nursing Home for 40 years, retiring in 2016.

Gary has been married for 53 years to Jane, a community activist. His nuclear family consists of his sons Peter and Jonathan and Peter’s wife Kelly. Gary joined CAA in 1976. He served on the Board of Directors at Congregation Ahavas Achim for two terms. Gary’s volunteer roles at CAA include our Kosher-Q and the Latke Blow-out. Community volunteering includes the Community Kitchen, and 100 Nights Shelter, both in Keene.

Heating primarily with wood; Gary cuts, splits, and stacks 4-5 cords of their own hardwood a year. Jane and Gary have summitted all 67 4000-footers in New England.

Martha Tomanelli joined Etz Hayim Synagogue in 2018 and quickly became part of the fabric of our synagogue family, immersing herself in Etz Hayim life and ensuring our guests are always greeted with great enthusiasm, ensuring other newcomers feel welcome and comfortable.

Martha was a member of the 2019 adult b’nai mitzvah class. She took her studies seriously and helped keep the class exciting and interesting through her humor and banter with our Rabbi.

Martha taught the majority of our Mah Jongg group how to play the game, offering a series of sessions of instructional classes, showing respect and patience with learners of all abilities, while incorporating her “New York” brand of humor. Under her tutelage, 100% of the participants were able to play the game despite its complexities and challenges.

Though Martha does not enjoy cooking, she happily brings a dish to every Shabat oneg, many of which are home cooked, and ensures on item is gluten free. Despite how tired her illness often leaves her, Martha always stays to help clean up.

Martha is also co-chair of the Sisterhood and serves as liaison with Men’s Group, researching and suggesting activities that are novel and will maintain membership. A key member of the Membership Committee, Martha ensures new avenues are explored to help attract and retain new members. She also serves on the Chavurat Ezrah committee, driving people to doctor’s appointments, helping with food shopping and errands, and driving them to shul for Friday night services. Most recently, she has become part of the Rabbi Transition Committee to welcome Rabbi Lefkowitz.

In addition to her many outside interests, Martha has boundless energy for Etz Hayim and enthusiastically volunteers for activities and committees. Her love for Etz Hayim and its members has truly made her one of our most beloved congregants.

Harry Shepler is the founder and managing partner of the Shepler Financial Group, LLC., has been in the financial services industry since 1977, and has owned his own firm since 1988. He is an investment manager for all ages, but most especially those who are within ten years of the anticipated retirement.

Harry is nationally recognized in his field and is a frequent speaker at professional forums. He maintains membership in the American Society of Financial Planning Professionals.

On a personal note, Harry is very involved in AIPAC, and loves Israel. He is involved in many local charities. He is the Past President of the Board of Trustees of the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, NH, and served on its executive committee, He enjoys his membership at Temple Israel in Manchester, a “regular” at morning minyan and serves on the Trust Committee there. Also, he has served on the Merrimack, NH Community Hospice House Foundation’s Investment Board. He is current treasurer of the Jewish Federation of NH.

Harry was born and raised in Ohio. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with graduate work at Boston University. He moved to New Hampshire in 1977 and currently lives and works in Bedford, NH with his wife of 50 years. He has four children, and nine grandchildren.

Paul Etkind is a volunteer leader without equals. Not only has he served as the UVJC’s treasurer and president, but he initiated a security committee, an Israel affairs committee, a robust monthly educational program, a Holocaust and antisemitism initiative, and more. He is always the first to volunteer to help with services, Board work, and more, from the simplest to the most complex duties.

Paul, a native of New Haven, CT, holds a Doctorate of Public Health from Yale University. Before moving to NH, Paul served two terms as president of his synagogue in Milton, MA. In the Upper Valley, Paul served as treasurer and the president of Kol Ha’Emek, the Upper Valley Jewish Community, for sequential terms.

As an active leader and volunteer, he initiated a wide range of social, educational, cultural, and security-related programs. He also serves in a leadership role for his Grantham community, Eastman, and is on the faculty of Osher at Dartmouth. Paul is married to Sue, the father of Molly, and the proud grandfather of Jack.

Stephen and Pamela have been pillars of the Seacoast Chabad community, consistently demonstrating their dedication and passion through their volunteer work.

Stephen grew up in Waterville, Maine, and has spent many years serving as the Vice President of a credit union, showcasing his commitment to helping others and his strong leadership skills. Pamela was raised in Boston and later moved to Dover, New Hampshire. She is exceptionally creative and runs her own company “Pam Stuff”, where you can find a variety of unique items.

Together they have two wonderful children: Belle, who earned her degree in music, and Jeremy, who is currently studying at Keene State College. Stephen and Pamela are not only known for their volunteer efforts but also for their love of art, travel, and biking. Their creativity, enthusiasm, and tireless contributions make them the ideal candidates for the Best Volunteers award.

With heartfelt gratitude, we recognize Stephen & Pamela Giguere for their unwavering dedication and selfless contributions to our community. Their tireless efforts and generosity have made a profound impact, enriching the lives of many and embodying the true spirit of community service. Thank you for all that you do!

TAY Brotherhood:

For over 50 years, the Brotherhood has been a loyal and steadfast contributor, not only to the welfare of TAY, but to the Jewish community and to the whole regional community as well. The Brotherhood’s Chanukah Party and Purim Carnival are both open, not only to members of TAY, but to all Jewish families in local communities. The Candidates Breakfasts have drawn impressive turnouts to hear candidates, or their surrogates, for local, state, and national office. The Mitzvah Program has for years served the community with over 100 volunteers working on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at the New Horizons Soup Kitchen, Delivering Meals on Wheels, covering the information desks at Elliot Hospital and Catholic Medical Center, and helping with bingo night at the V.A. Hospital.

TAY Sisterhood:

The Sisterhood of Temple Adath Yeshurun has a long history of working with the Temple as one of its auxiliary organizations in order to strengthen and enhance congregational life. Traditionally the Sisterhood has focused its energy and resources in three areas:

• Providing services to enhance worship such as flowers for the Bima, onegs, holding the Second Seder, babysitting during services and sponsoring a Sisterhood Shabbat.

• Providing financial support to the Temple through a direct contribution to the operating budget plus special projects.

• Providing programming for members in particular and for the congregation in general.

The Sisterhood has been a participant in Women of Faith since its inception. This interfaith group for women provides programs to share religious beliefs, culture and traditions and develop understanding and friendships. The Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Fund delivers fresh fruits and vegetables to New Horizons whenever a donation is made.

The Sisterhood continues to grow and evolve, striving to make Temple Adath Yeshurun a place where congregants come together in friendship to worship and to learn.

The Temple Beth Abraham Keter Shem Tov Committee is pleased to announce that this year’s honoree is Robin Rubin. Robin and her husband, Larry, joined TBA in 1994, and as their son, Michael, was a toddler at that time, Robin was soon recruited to help organize the following year’s High Holiday Babysitting. During the 30 years since then, Robin has been active in the TBA community, contributing her time and efforts – in many small ways during those early years and in more significant ways in recent times.

After organizing TBA’s High Holiday babysitting for 2-3 years, Robin was the kitchen Paper Goods Coordinator for many years, the Sisterhood Financial Secretary for 2-3 years, the Sisterhood Programming VP two times, and is currently an at-large Sisterhood Board member. During those same years, Robin helped to set up numerous TBA onegs and kiddushes and generally offered her time and energy to synagogue events and projects, as needed.

In recent years, Robin has taken on larger roles. She has been co-chairing Sisterhood’s twice a year Rummage Sales, bringing in significant funds for Sisterhood and TBA and contributing to the Greater Nashua community. Robin ran two successful Mah Jongg “tournaments” at TBA, leading, after the pandemic to regular Mah Jongg group at TBA on Sunday mornings. Robin has also stepped up to the task of coordinating the Purim Mishlo’ah Manot, with her husband, Larry, coordinating the home deliveries. Robin and Larry also assemble and deliver welcome baskets to new TBA members.

Robin has been contributing outside TBA also. Pre-pandemic, she regularly helped in the pantry of the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter (NSKS). Currently, she coordinates weekly delivery of “day-old” baked goods from Shaw’s supermarket to Family Promise of Southern New Hampshire, volunteers as a tutor for adult ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students, volunteers as an English tutor to Israeli teens through a program called Israel Connect, and volunteers at American Red Cross blood drives. In May, she went to Israel on a weeklong volunteer/solidarity trip, because she felt that she needed to help there in some small way. Robin says that she finds purpose in helping others and her actions demonstrate this.

Seth and Karen Aframe have been Temple Beth Jacob members since 2009. Seth has served on the TBJ board of trustees almost continuously since that time. He served as president from 2016-2018, during which time he ran the sanctuary improvement project which made major space and aesthetic upgrades and kitchen restoration after a Noah-like flood. After his presidential term, he joined the Board to continue in his leadership role. His wife Karen, has also served in various leadership positions, including chair of the youth committee. Karen and Seth worked as volunteer teachers for many years in which, among other lessons, they ran an elaborate “trip to Israel” unit for 5th graders. Seth also taught teens, using his lawyer skills, to present difficult moral questions for discussion. And Karen arranged to make sure that the kids had Works bagels and cream cheese every Sunday as well as managing the gift shop. She also led TBJ Tot Shabbat. Their two sons, Max and Noah, were Bar Mitzvahed at TBJ and worked as madrich in the school throughout high school. Seth and Karen have been involved in many aspects of synagogue life and have been instrumental for the past 15 years making TBJ a vibrant place.

Leslie grew up in Plymouth. She met her husband Dr. Mark Aronson in college. She is the mother of 6 kids and 11 grandchildren. She has worked as a teacher’s aid with children who have behavioral problems. She is a talented quilter and an amazing cook. She is extremely creative with a great eye for fashion. She picked the colors for the temple social hall and even painted the entire room below the chair rail by herself.

What others have said:

“I recently experienced that caring when we talked about setting up an evening to remember my wife, Barbara. Before the end of the call, Leslie was already thinking through what Barb would have liked. Leslie stepped in and managed the entire evening. I asked her what I could do to help and in her pure “Leslie” style she replied, “I’ve got this! You just show up.” In this case, she made the nearly impossible nothing short of amazing.”

“She was a ferocious advocate for her son, Jared (he had Duchenne muscular dystrophy) and all of her children. Once when I was out with Jonathan and Avi (Leslie’s son), a kid on their soccer team was giving Avi a hard time. Avi said, you better stop, or I’ll tell my mother. You don’t want me to tell my mother. She’s not like a regular mother.”

TBI is proud to nominate Leslie Aronson for the 2024 Shem Tov Award.

Carol was born in Manchester to Gladys and Daniel Myers, who were founders of Temple Israel. Much like the woman we know and love today, Carol was an inquisitive child who was not afraid to question the way things were. She obtained her master’s degree from NH College and then had a career teaching kindergarten in Hooksett. Carol loved the children, and the feeling was certainly mutual.

Carol describes her greatest success in life as raising her son Eric as a single Mom. She now enjoys wonderful grandchildren and feels fortunate to continue to influence the next generation.

Carol sits on the Board of the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire. She donates her time each year to the Gail Singer Memorial Blood Drive. She helps keep the Temple Israel congregants well fed and coming back with her hard work on the TI Kitchen Committee. Carol comes by her volunteerism naturally. Her father was a Temple President, Board Member, and “without ever being asked, did what needed doing at the Temple.” Like her father, Carol consistently helps other people, never waiting to be asked.

Emma has led Temple Israel’s Israel Affairs Committee for ten years. This successful initiative, launched by Rabbi David Senter z”l, promotes dialogue about Israel and Israeli current events in ways that reflect and respect the diverse perspectives within our congregation while affirming support for the ideals upon which Israel was founded. Under Emma’s leadership, the committee has offered quality programs, sponsored Israel-themed events, and provided education that broadens awareness of Israel’s complexities. Diplomatic and even-handed, Emma has facilitated an open, healthy, and respectful exchange of ideas, both within the committee’s discussions and through the programs sponsored by the committee.

Among Walter’s gifts to our community have been photographs taken both at home and abroad, sharing images of joyful events and celebrating the wonders of the natural world. Walter has also been a devoted member of the Yiddish class, to which he contributes his broad knowledge of Jewish culture and Hebrew language. We are grateful for Emma and Walter’s open-hearted contributions, which add to the health and vitality of the Temple Israel community.