May 18, 2026
It’s a rare thing that a rabbi comes into a well-established congregation and gets to step into a role that wasn’t already designed and adapted for someone else. Rabbi Kellner and I had discussed ideas and roles, of course, but in truth I walked into my first day here without a clear idea of what being Congregation Beth Tikvah’s Assistant Rabbi would mean for me, for my family, and for this community.
I planned to start slowly, to get to know our community – our people, the professional team, Morissa and Rabbi Kellner, and to learn how things are done and where I might fit in.
What I learned very quickly is that Beth TIkvah is special. I learned that Barb Mindel always makes sure new folks are welcomed and have someone to sit with. I learned that Shelly Igdaloff and many others are incredibly gracious as I continue to learn names. I learned that our community genuinely wants to spend time together, which is why Kehilla Connect is thriving on Sunday mornings. This year as we worked to reinvigorate our Caring Community, I was blown away when we put out a call for volunteers who would be willing to bring a meal to those in need in our community, and in just a couple of weeks we had more than 70 people sign up. Many communities talk about being warm and welcoming, about caring for- and being supported by- community, but Beth Tikvah lives these values with integrity and conviction.
We are a community that balances a warm heart with a sharp mind. Our Adult Learning schedule is second to none. I was shocked to learn we offer Adult B’nai Mitzvah classes every two or three years because we have so many interested that it doesn’t take long to hit critical mass. Please trust me when I tell you this is not common. Rabbi Kellner has offered several classes this year that invited us to engage with the complexities of Israel’s history and political life with depth and nuance while still holding fast to our commitment to Jewish Peoplehood. In a world that seems flooded with shocking headlines and black-and-white simplifications, our community remains committed to deep understanding rather than facile platitudes or disengagement.
With increased antisemitism, no one would fault us for turning inward. But Beth Tikvah is indomitable. Instead, we launched Free Community Meals, first here at Beth Tikvah and now graciously hosted by our friends at Lord of Life Lutheran Church. Not once in the last five months has it taken more than an hour for our volunteer spots to fill up. Hundreds participated in our Mitzvah Day in April, led by our Social Justice Chair, Tanya Shatz with projects that supported nearly a dozen partner organizations. Thank you to all those who volunteered and participated. I spoke with Erin Ulvi of the Worthington Food Pantry last week who told me that Congregation Beth Tikvah is one of their strongest and most consistent supporters and that our annual High Holy Day Donation Drive is their biggest of the year. Also, she mentioned they need peanut butter.
I could go on and on about what makes Beth Tikvah special, but Tara only gave me 5 minutes.
Through all of this I have learned that we are an exceptional community because we are blessed with exceptional members and leaders. We could not do any of this without you all.
Rabbi Kellner has been a kind and thoughtful mentor, and he and Morissa Frieberg-Vance have warmly welcomed me as a thought partner. Debbie, Hannah, and Rhonda work tirelessly to support all we do and make it look easy. Julie’s music and vision have enriched our services in so many ways, and John and Debbie’s voices have brought beauty and warmth to our services.
Working with our board members and affinity group leaders has been a delight this year as we have worked together to bring their visions to life as we serve this community. Our lay leaders have shown time and again their thoughtful dedication to this work, and our mission of empowering people to live and learn Jewishly and to make our world a better place.
Thank you all for welcoming me and my family into this extraordinary community and for giving me the opportunity to serve as your first Assistant Rabbi. I cannot wait to see how we continue to grow together.
Rabbi Karen Martin’s Annual Meeting Remarks.