Last month, we celebrated Rabbi Scolnic’s 36 years at TBS with a roast in his honor. I was not among those who spoke, which I believe only contributed to the evening’s success.

I would first like to congratulate those on the committee, whose hard work and planning made the evening possible: Stuart and Marni Katz, Lauren and Hinda Piscitelle, Gail Greenberg, Eta Kaplan and Rachel Scolnic Dobin. The evening was truly a tribute and testament to just how much the Rabbi means to TBS, but also to the greater Hamden and New Haven communities.

As was expressed by many that evening, including the Mayor of Hamden and Jordan Reed (whose shoes the Rabbi will literally be trying to fill for the rest of his life), we are lucky to have him as our spiritual leader here at TBS and in our greater community as well. I want to thank Rabbi Scolnic for his guidance and advice in my time as President, especially with regard to addressing some of the issues that have surfaced during the past year. On a personal level, I want to express my gratitude for his clarity and consolation during times of personal crisis. His combination of patience, compassion and wisdom are unique and unrivaled. We have been blessed to call Rabbi Scolnic our own for the last 36 years…here’s to the next 36.

Happy Chanukkah.

Josh Weissman