HUC-JIR Skirball Museum Docents Were Honored

The docents of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion’s Skirball Museum Cincinnati celebrated the end of the year on May 14, 2003 with their annual awards program and luncheon. This year docents provided tours of the Skirball Museum, the S.H. and Helen R. Scheuer Chapel, the Dalsheimer Rare Book Building, and The Archaeology Center for over 1300 visitors from school groups, synagogues, churches, retirement centers, private companies, and associations. The luncheon and program were held at What’s for Dinner in O’Bryonville.

Rabbi David Komerofsky, Dean of Students and Director of the Rabbinical School, welcomed the docents and extended his appreciation on behalf of HUC-JIR for the many hours of service provided to the museum and the College-Institute. Special thanks were expressed for the docents’ efforts in making the inauguration of Rabbi David Ellenson, president of HUC-JIR, a success last fall.

Docents recognized for distinguished service were: Cecille Stone, for leading the most tours; Diana Goodman, for the largest increase in number of tours; and Charlotte Hattenbach, for most museum volunteer hours. Each was presented with a potted Biblical garden. Polly Stein and Sue Teller were also recognized for their successful work as chairs of the membership committee. Cecille Stone, Irene Satin, and Louise Pritz tied for best attendance at the docent classes. Museum consultant, Deena Pinales, was thanked for her work in developing and teaching the docent practicum program for the 2002-2003 year. Rebecca Jero, museum staff, was also thanked for her tremendous efforts.

Rachel Stern Komerofsky, Director of Outreach Education at HUC-JIR, organized this year’s docent education program. HUC-JIR faculty, graduate and rabbinical students, and community leaders presented the continuing education classes for the docents on topics including: Dead Sea Scrolls, Major Tenets of Judaism, Protestantism, Catholicism, Comparative World Religions, People of the Talmud, the Prophets, Ask the Rabbi, Death Dying and Immortality in Judaism, and Answering a Child’s Questions.

The Skirball Museum Cincinnati is open to the public Monday through Thursday, 11:00 am – 4: 00 pm and Sundays 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Docent guided tours can be arranged for groups of 10 or more with at least 3 weeks notice. For information about becoming a volunteer docent, scheduling a tour, or museum membership, contact the museum office at (513) 221-7444, ext. 358. The Skirball Museum is located in Mayerson Hall, 3101 Clifton Avenue, on the campus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Admission and parking are free of charge. The museum is handicap accessible.