January 9, 2026
Transitional life moments often bring mixed emotions. We might feel joy as we forge new paths and sadness about the ones we leave behind. While I was traveling for winter break, I saw a video on our social media of Enos Wisniewski, our longtime custodian, walking through our front doors at the conclusion of his last shift on his final day. Enos has been with us for 10 years, and he retired at the end of 2025.
When I think about Enos, I think about him standing on a ladder painting my office ceiling as he finished a repair caused by a leak. I think about him power-washing the walls and the concrete around the building or even climbing onto the roof to fix things up there. Enos did more than setups and repairs. He came to work every day wanting to make us all laugh and smile. About a year or so ago, I noticed something very special. I noticed that all the JCC North kids leaving at the end of the day would run to Enos, and he cared for every one of them like they were his family. He offered them a sweet treat, and he looked forward to seeing their smiling faces every day. He helped make them smile.
One of Enos’ passions is fishing, and he shared it with us. “Rabbi, I’m goin’ fishin’. Gonna fry up some fish,” he would say. And he did just that, making the staff a fish-fry lunch on numerous occasions. Over the course of his time at Beth Tikvah, he experienced several health issues. In the last two years, he coped with debilitating back pain, but he came to work nearly every single day and powered through with a smile on his face. My heart went out to him as he labored to walk through the temple hallways.
When Hannah Karr, our Director of Marketing and Community Engagement, interviewed him in November, Enos shared that he would miss everybody. He said, “I built great relationships with everyone… I hope everybody keeps me in their heart, because you will all be in my heart forever.” He also shared that he always bragged about Beth Tikvah and said it was one of the best jobs he ever had. I like to think he felt that way because he truly recognized how special everyone is. Our members care for Enos like they would a family member. He cared for us and was passionate about his work in return.
Someone once shared with me that the book of Deuteronomy is the greatest retirement manual. Moses lays out his wisdom to the people and transfers his authority to Joshua. Moses ascends Mount Nebo and is able to take an expansive view of all he has done in his life as he looks upon the people he has led. Tonight, we will invite Enos to join us on the bimah as we celebrate his retirement. We will think about all the joyful moments he shared with us over the years. We will certainly miss his joy and smiling face walking the halls of Beth Tikvah each day. Please join us for services this evening at 7:15 to be part of this wonderful celebration.
Enos, we will truly miss you and all you brought to us.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Rick Kellner