Sabbath of Repentance.

Honoring Lori and Stephan Rubin.

Couple Honored For Three Decades Of Service at Brith Shalom

In every community there are people who step up when there is a need. For more than three decades, Stephan and Lori Rubin have given their talents, time and energy to Congregation Brith Shalom (CBS).

On October 5 Shabbat Shuvah, CBS will honor the Rubins at a special ceremony during services.

Brith Shalom Rabbi Ranon Teller told the JHV that the couple are “pillars of the Brith Shalom community”.

“The entire congregation feels the love that they have for the synagogue,” said Rabbi Teller. “We experience that love through their volunteerism and leadership. Shabbat Shuvah will be our moment to demonstrate the reciprocal love that we feel for them.”

Stephan Rubin’s service includes terms as CBS President, Vice-President and Secretary. He also served as Men’s Club President for eight years and as PTO President.

Lori Rubin twice served as Sisterhood President. She also co-founded a healing service at CBS that morphed into Friday Night Ruach after Rabbi Teller came.

As a couple, they have chaired, co-wrote and acted in three gala events including the shul’s 60th Anniversary, which raised more than $500,000.

This year will mark the 32nd time the couple has sung with the CBS Choir for High Holy Days.

“We joined the choir because both of us grew up singing in our synagogue choirs,” said Lori. “My dad sung in our choir and I traveled with him between the ages of nine and 18. Stephan’s parents were in the choir as well so we shared that. We continued the lineage.

“When we had a tragic experience in our lives, we chose to allow our synagogue family to help us. In doing that, we got back so much more than we were giving. The people in our congregation who supported us kept us sane.”

Stephan’s dad was a role model. Stephan witnessed how his father’s spiritual and volunteer lives centered around his synagogue.

“As a youngster, I could see myself amongst those people,” said Stephan. “The spiritual journey I’ve been on is a matter of living this life.”

He described a phone call he made to one CBS congregant after Hurricane Harvey.

“I told her we were there for whatever she needed. Then I told her that she did not need to be concerned about her membership dues because we had taken care of that for her. She started crying over the phone. It was a moment when you realize the power of community.”

Fred Floersheimer, a member of the CBS Religious Practices Committee, spoke about the couple’s continuing record of volunteerism.

“As a team, they both deserve recognition. I don’t know another husband and wife, who over the long period of time, have set such an example of volunteerism.

“They have set an example of the way we expect both husbands and wives to take an active part in the congregation.”