Tuesday, November 15, 2022
I’m here to represent my father. Over the last few days, though, I’ve arrived and– with Taube Philanthropy’s executive, Shana Penn– we’ve had the opportunity to participate in meetings, we’ve been to learnings, we’ve been on tours, we’ve celebrated Shabbat and Havdalah.
We’ve had meals, many meals with the HUC community– made up of its national board, its faculty, its staff, its students. It’s been a tremendous trip for us and we’re grateful for that. We are inspired by HUC’s vision and programs to strengthen Reform Judaism, in particular in Israel, and to articulate Jerusalem’s campus’ potential to become a hub for the Reform movement, worldwide.
And being on this campus in particular, I think I understand more clearly why my father so highly regards HUC as a vital embodiment of Jewish peoplehood– a notion of Jewish destiny, belonging, and responsibility that guides our family’s Jewish philanthropy.
And it certainly is enhancing my sense of belonging. Just this morning, an hour ago, I was reunited with my youth rabbi for my Bar Mitzvah– Rabbi Block. Can you stand up? I would like to recognize you. I had not seen Rabbi Rick in 25 years, so that was very cool. Thank you for that. Also, I want to recognize my family from Israel that is actually here in attendance, too. My family’s relatives, Nir and Erit Karplinsky, traveled this morning from Kfar Vitkin. Nir and Erit, my family is thrilled you are honoring us with your presence. We thank you so much.
As I was on the phone with my dad last night, just trying to go over what things he wanted me to say and emphasize, and he’s like, “You’re just there to represent me,” and I pressed him a little bit and he’s like, “Look, the one person who I really want to be recognized is President Andrew Rehfeld, for his vision and his guidance.” I wanted to make sure that I took the moment and took my dad’s words and gave them to you, Andrew. Thank you so much.
Obviously, there are so many other people that have made this place special. I won’t be able to list all of them, but Dean Rabbi Kelman, Board Chair David Edelson, thank you again, my friends at HUC that I’ve met over this weekend. Today’s dedication of the new plaza is a milestone in this story and may you continue to grow from strength or strength moving forward. And now I’d like to introduce you to a video tribute by my father, Tad Taube, offering his salutations from California. Thank you all. Thank you all very much.