Honoring Rabbi Deborah Bell: Reflections from New York

Last week, a group from The Temple traveled to New York to witness the ordination of our incoming Director of Lifelong Engagement, Rabbi Deborah Bell. The ordination ceremony includes a moment for each almost-clergyperson to stand in front of the ark and become a rabbi or cantor. It was a sacred experience for our Temple members to experience, and a wonderful start of our relationship with Rabbi Bell. As Temple President Cathy Winterfield reflects, “Our congregation lived its name attending Rabbi Bell’s ordination.  Ahavath Chesed. Loving kindness. We were her family sitting together, filling an entire row in support of her. I’ve never been so proud of how we live our values as we stood watching her receive her charge and blessing.”

Here are additional thoughts from some of those who participated:

Temple VP Gaby Young: “Watching Rabbi Bell be ordained, I felt the weight and beauty of Jewish identity unfold in real time—an unbroken chain of voices, faith, and resilience stretching across generations. In that sacred moment, we weren’t just witnesses; we were a community wrapped around one another, offering strength, pride, and love. It reminded me that to be Jewish is not only to inherit a tradition, but to stand together—lifting each other up, so none of us ever stands alone.”

Search Committee Chair & Temple Trustee chair Michael Frieder: “My son Jacob and I recently had the pleasure of attending Student Rabbi Deborah Bell’s ordination alongside an esteemed group from our temple community. The ordination of a rabbinical student into the rabbinate is truly a holy and sacred occasion. I felt both curious and fortunate to travel to New York and stand alongside fellow congregants in support of Rabbi Bell during such a meaningful milestone in her life and journey. Any opportunity to travel with fellow congregants—especially people you may not regularly spend extended time with—is one I would strongly encourage others to embrace. Our congregation is filled with remarkable individuals from many different backgrounds and walks of life, yet we share so much in common. There is something uniquely special about traveling together in support of a meaningful and positive cause. It creates connections, deepens friendships, and strengthens community in ways that are hard to fully describe. Walking the streets of New York with fellow temple members and Rabbi Glasser allowed me to experience that incredible city through fresh eyes. More importantly, I had the joy of watching my son Jacob experience what felt like a mini-mission trip for the first time. Those are memories both of us will cherish for years to come.

When the ordination ceremony began, I can honestly say that from the moment I sat down until long after it concluded, I wore a smile as wide as the New York City skyline. To sit in a room filled with individuals crossing the bimah and realizing the culmination of years of study, sacrifice, and spiritual calling was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Even reading through the program and learning about the journeys, accomplishments, and life experiences of the ordinands was deeply humbling. We are incredibly blessed to welcome such talented and passionate Jewish leaders into our communities. The ceremony itself took place at the magnificent 150-year-old Reform synagogue Temple Emanu-El, a sanctuary unlike anything I had ever experienced before. Its soaring ceilings, rich history, and breathtaking beauty served as a powerful reminder of both the resilience of the Jewish people and the extraordinary legacy from which we come. Most of all, the sanctuary was filled with an electric atmosphere of joy and excitement as family, friends, and congregations gathered to welcome the next generation of Jewish leadership.

In the afterglow of what is surely one of the brightest and most meaningful moments of Rabbi Bell’s life, Jacob and I found ourselves reflecting on how fortunate we are to be part of her journey and the ongoing journey of Ahavath Chesed. Being active and involved in this community, at this temple, as Jews doing Jewish things together, is enriching and rewarding beyond what words can adequately capture. As my good friend Dr. Seuss once wrote, “Oh, the places you’ll go.” And perhaps I would add: “especially when you choose to get involved.”

I hope you will join me in warmly welcoming newly ordained Rabbi Deborah Bell to our community this summer. I can already tell you that she is excited about the places we will go together—and I believe our congregation has every reason to be excited as well.”

Temple VP Lani Freeman: “What a meaningful and memorable weekend in NYC celebrating the ordination for Rabbi Bell - filled with laughter, friendship, and the beauty of an unforgettable ceremony in midtown’s historic Temple Emanu-El!”