SARASOTA, FL – On February 27, 2022, Temple Emanu-El presented its 65th anniversary Sapphire Celebration, honoring Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman for her many contributions to the temple’s growth and vibrance. Approximately 325 temple and community members attended the sold-out event, which raised more than $250,000. Proceeds will be used for the Religious School, Susan Schwaid Early Learning Center, and temple enhancements.
The event took place on a beautiful day, under a big tent on Temple Emanu-El’s campus. Associate Rabbi Michael Shefrin – who served as the event emcee – welcomed guests, the three Glickman children said hamotzi (the blessing over bread), and then all enjoyed a delicious brunch catered by Michael’s On East. Following the meal, event chairs Michael Richker and Gloria Weed thanked sponsors and the committee, and then temple president Barry Gerber followed with warm words for the honoree. The rabbis’ parents – Judy Lauder, and Helen and Dr. Larry Rose – spoke, followed by heartfelt comments by the honoree. Rabbi Shefrin and Richker presented Rabbi Elaine with gifts, including a tribute plaque, a certificate recognizing the planting of a garden of 100 trees in Israel through a gift from the temple to the Jewish National Fund, and a proclamation from the Sarasota County Commission announcing February 27 as “Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman Day.” Senior Rabbi Brenner Glickman then closed the proceedings with his own tribute to the honoree.
Since the Glickmans arrived in Sarasota in 2006, as Rabbi Brenner Glickman assumed the post of Senior Rabbi, Rabbi Elaine has contributed tremendously to the building of community – particularly among the fast-growing family population – among the congregation, presented innumerable parent and adult education offerings, greatly expanded community service offerings, and provided skilled and effective public relations services on behalf of the congregation.
“Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman epitomizes what giving is all about. We are immensely grateful that she agreed to be honored for her years of support and service to our temple,” said Gerber. “We could not be more thrilled with the response from the community in celebrating Rabbi Elaine, and are grateful to all who sponsored, attended, and volunteered on behalf of this very special event.”
Sapphire Sponsors were Barbara and Barry Gerber, Judy and Leonard Lauder, and Helen and Dr. Larry Rose.
For more about Temple Emanu-El, visit sarasotatemple.org.
About Temple Emanu-El
Temple Emanu-El is a Reform congregation serving the communities of Sarasota and Manatee counties. It is a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming Temple where people come together for religious and spiritual fulfillment, lifelong learning, and memorable moments, and support for social justice, for Israel, and for each other. For more information, visit sarasotatemple.org or call 941-371-2788.