Thank You Rabbi Kogen

This Shabbat, Rabbi Avram Kogen begins his seventeenth year of service to our congregation. It is a remarkable milestone, and one that deserves our gratitude and recognition.

In thinking about this anniversary, I was reminded of a well-known piece of Jewish gematria, or numerology. The Hebrew word tov—good—has a numerical value of seventeen.

I am not one to place much weight on gematria. Most of the time, I view it as nonsense.  Occasionally, I regard it as an interesting curiosity (and that is being generous) rather than a source of profound insight. But every now and then, a numerical coincidence feels exactly right. This is one of those times. For during his entire tenure with us, now entering his seventeenth year, Rabbi Kogen has brought an abundance of tov to our congregation.

Good judgment.
Good scholarship.
Good friendship.
Good counsel.
Good humor.
Good Torah.
Good leadership.                                                                                              

Rabbi Kogen has enriched our congregation through all of these. For sixteen years he has served as our Torah reader on Shabbat and holidays, taught students, guided families preparing for Bar and Bat Mitzvah, led services, and shared his knowledge and wisdom with our community.

But as I reflect on Rabbi Kogen's years of service, I find myself thinking about something else. Much of the most important work of a congregation happens quietly. It happens in phone calls that no one else hears. In meetings that never appear on a calendar. In conversations after services. In words of encouragement offered when someone is struggling. In thoughtful advice shared at just the right moment.

The truth is that every congregation depends upon people who are willing to do important work without seeking recognition for it. Rabbi Kogen has been one of those people.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with him through countless challenges and situations that arise in congregational life. Time and again, I have benefited from his judgment, his wisdom, his intelligence, and his unwavering commitment to our community.

He is a valued colleague and a trusted partner in our leadership team. He has been a true friend and mentor to many in our congregational family, and enjoys a sterling reputation in the Rabbinic community. 

The JCCP/CBT community sees the Torah reader standing at the bimah each Shabbat and holiday. What they may not always see is the dedication, preparation, reliability, and commitment that make that service possible week after week, year after year.  For the past sixteen years, Rabbi Kogen has done exactly that. It is one more example of the tov he brings to our congregation. On behalf of our entire JCCP/CBT family, I offer him our heartfelt thanks.

Thank you, Rabbi Kogen, for your dedication, your friendship, your leadership, and for the countless ways you have brought tov into the life of our congregation.

May God bless you with good health, happiness, and strength, and may we continue to share many more years together in service to our community.


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