Senate Resolution No. 1730
BY: Senator MAYER
HONORING Senior Rabbi Jeffrey J. Sirkman upon the
occasion of his designation of special recognition
for 36 years of service to Larchmont Temple
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors,
and community service are an example and inspiration to their
colleagues, friends, family, and community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Senior Rabbi Jeffrey J. Sirkman upon the occasion of his designation of
special recognition for 36 years of service to Larchmont Temple; and
WHEREAS, Senior Rabbi Jeffrey J. Sirkman is being honored for his
dedication to his position as Senior Rabbi and also for serving as a
teacher, mentor, community leader, and friend to many; and
WHEREAS, Serving Larchmont Temple for 36 years, Senior Rabbi Jeffrey
J. Sirkman has a special connection with youth, inspiring them to go
out into the world with a solid moral compass; his "kids," as he calls
them, stay in touch with him for years; and
WHEREAS, Ordained by HUC-JIR in 1987, Senior Rabbi Jeffrey J.
Sirkman received his B.A. in Religion and his M.A. in Theology with a
Certificate in Modern Jewish Thought from Boston University; he has
served the Temple and Jewish community in a number of roles from Chair
of the Program Advisory Committee for URJ Eisner Camp, to Admissions
Committee of HUC-JIR, to board member on a variety of community
organizations; and
WHEREAS, Having forged strong relationships with neighboring
faith-based communities, Senior Rabbi Jeffrey J. Sirkman facilitates
monthly inter-faith dialogues and hosts Strait Gate Church's MLK
celebration each year; he focuses on establishing a face-to-face faith
and building sacred relationships to affirm that every person who seeks
can find a place within the Jewish community; and
WHEREAS, At the core of his leadership, Covenant remains the mission
that gives meaning to Temple membership and Jewish life; Senior Rabbi
Jeffrey J. Sirkman cherishes the gift of Torah, whether learning with
dozens every Shabbat morning at our Temple's Chevrah Torah table, or
guiding students in Religious School from their Bar or Bat Mitzvah to
post Confirmation; and
WHEREAS, Engaging with both young and adult learners through a
spectrum of scholars and sacred teachers, Senior Rabbi Jeffrey J.
Sirkman works to affirm the bond we share with Israel and has led
hundreds of congregants and their extended families in hands-on and
inspirational visits to Israel; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to educating others on the Jewish practice, Senior
Rabbi Jeffrey J. Sirkman is currently the Rabbi Stephen Wise Visiting
Scholar at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion
teaching 5th year rabbinic and cantorial students, the year-long course
for senior students in professional development; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his late wife, Susan z'l, and
their four children, Aaron, Alexander, Gabriel (Chelsea) and Sophie, all
of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his many
achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by
individuals for the benefit of others which Senior Rabbi Jeffrey J.
Sirkman has displayed throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Senior Rabbi Jeffrey J. Sirkman, that future generations may know and
appreciate his admirable character, his many benevolent deeds, and the
respect and esteem in which he is held by his peers; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Senior Rabbi Jeffrey J. Sirkman upon the occasion of his
designation of special recognition for 36 years of service to Larchmont
Temple; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Senior Rabbi Jeffrey J. Sirkman.
