Baron Hirsch to Honor Members at Annual Meeting

Baron Hirsch Congregation will hold its Annual Membership Meeting on Sunday, January 15th at 11:00AM.  The meeting will be preceded by a brunch at 10:00AM.

David Cooper, president of the congregation, announced this week that Harold Wormser will receive the 2011 Sam Abraham Member of the Year Award, and that Dessie Sewel and Rabbi David Radinsky will receive the 2011 Louis Turetsky Chesed Award.  The awards will be presented during the course of the meeting.

Rabbi Shai Finkelstein, Senior Rabbi of Baron Hirsch speaks of Mr. Wormser this way: “Harold’s commitment to our shul and to volunteerism is admirable.  For many years, he has used his professional skills to develop new policies that have helped the congregation in both its fundraising and operations.  Our organization is definitely stronger and more secure due to Harold’s attention and efforts.”

Harold Wormser has served as treasurer of Baron Hirsch for the past four years.  He is a CPA, and has led The Wormser Firm for over 25 years.  He also serves on the Investment Advisory Firm of the Jewish Foundation of Memphis.

The Louis Turetsky Chesed Award is being presented to both Dessie Sewel and Rabbi David Radinsky.  “Dessie’s cheerful face and warmth touches everyone she comes in contact with.  Her concern and love for every member of our shul and community make her the natural recipient for the Chesed Award.  Dessie always looks for ways to help individuals and the shul which she loves so much,” says Rabbi Finkelstein.

When describing Rabbi Radinsky, Rabbi Finkelstein had this to say: “Since the day that the Radinskys came to Memphis, Rabbi Radinsky endeared himself to so many.  He is involved with many chesed activities within the shul and the community. Whether it be teaching Torah, visiting those in the hospital, or helping individuals in other ways, Rabbi Radinsky always looks for opportunities to do Chesed and share his wisdom.”

Rabbi David Radinsky moved to Memphis in 2004 with his wife, Barbara, after retiring as Senior Rabbi of the Brith Sholom Beth Israel Congregation in Charleston, South Carolina, where he had served since 1970.  He now serves as Rabbi Emeritus of the congregation. 

Rabbi Radinsky gives a popular weekly class in Jewish History at Baron Hirsch every Wednesday night.  He also gives many special classes at the congregation, and is a regular lecturer in the congregation’s Tanach B’Shnataim course, the Synaplex program, and the Jewish History Book Club.  He is also on the faculty of the Margolin Hebrew Academy/Feinstone Yeshiva of the South, where he teaches Jewish History, Oral Law and the Weekly Torah Portion.

Rabbi Finkelstein will present the awards to all of the honorees.  David Cooper will deliver the State of the Synagogue address, and preside over the meeting.  While only members may participate in the elections of officers, anyone is welcome to attend the brunch and meeting.  The cost of the brunch is $15, and reservations may be made by contacting the synagogue office at 683-7485.