Dena Rashes, Gateways Parent of a Child in the Sunday Program
Sweet Sounds Co-Chair Welcome Remarks

Thank you for joining us to celebrate the accomplishments of Erik and Jennifer Bittner and Sue Schweber.  Our Jewish community has been and continues to be enriched by your commitment and vision.  On a personal level I want to express my profound gratitude as a day school parent; and the parent of a child who participates in the Gateways Jewish Education Program on Sunday mornings. 

As a family we had somewhere to turn when we needed help understanding the best way to educate our daughter.  Gateways professionals provided us with the support we needed to make sound decisions about her Jewish and secular education; both within and outside of a Jewish day school environment.   Gateways’ Sunday program fosters her love of Judaism and provides an accessible and joyful environment for her to learn and grow.

This evening in addition to paying tribute to Jennifer and Erik Bittner and Sue Schweber, you will also hear other ‘Voices from the Gates’.  These voices represent families served by Gateways and the volunteers, teachers and tutors who work with our children.  I am proud to be one of these voices and to have had the opportunity to share a bit of my story with you. 

Each of you in this room has given the families served by Gateways the gift of joy; a joy that comes from knowing that our children’s participation at shul and in Jewish holiday observances at home is more meaningful.  All of our lives are enriched because we know our children will have the opportunity to be equal and successful participants in the Jewish community.   Because of your support of this remarkable organization all of our children can participate to their fullest potential and know the joy of learning about and celebrating our rich heritage.

Other voices will share their Gateways experiences this evening, but now I have the honor of asking Rabbi Leonard Gordon, the senior Rabbi of Congregation Mishkan Tefila, to come forward to say a few words of welcome…

Please join me in welcoming Barry Shrage, President of Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston.  Gateways is a grateful beneficiary of CJP and we are appreciative of Barry’s advocacy and support.