Join us for Shabbat services, learning and spiritual and nutritional refreshment in honor of Rabbi Spitzer’s significant milestone anniversary in the rabbinate!
About Rabbi John H. Spitzer Rabbi John Spitzer was ordained from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (Cincinnati,Ohio) in 1973. He served as Assistant and then Associate Rabbi of Congregation Shaare Emeth in St. Louis prior to arriving in Canton in 1981. He served Temple Israel as Rabbi until his retirement from the pulpit in 2008, at which time he became Rabbi Emeritus. During his more than forty years at Temple Israel he was active in communal affairs, issues of social justice, education and Zionism. Rabbi Spitzer has been honored with two honorary doctorate degrees and has earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. John and Cheri Spitzer have been married for 55 years and are blessed with two sons and two grandchildren. About Michael Hunter Ochs Michael Hunter Ochs has quietly established himself as one of the most versatile songwriters in America today. His song “In Her Eyes” was recorded by international superstar Josh Groban. The soul-filled “On My Knees” was awarded Song Of The Year honors from both the Gospel Music Association (Dove Award) and the Nashville Songwriters Association International, and spent 14 weeks at #1. In addition to his success in the world of pop music, Michael is universally recognized as one of the most respected and adored creators of contemporary Jewish music. Many of his compositions have become essential threads in the fabric of the Reform Jewish movement. Every Friday evening congregations around the world rejoice, reflect, and draw closer singing his songs. This composing talent - along with Michael’s commitment to bringing people together in hope and understanding through song - has found him performing for members of the Nobel Committee, The Congressional Prayer Breakfast, the URJ Biennial, and The Jewish Museum of Berlin – to participate at the 70th Commemoration of Kristallnacht. Sponsored by Temple Israel’s Anne and Henry Mestel Endowment
Friday, October 13, 2023 7:00 p.m. – Shabbat Evening Service Featuring Rabbi Spitzer and Michael Hunter Ochs Followed by Oneg Shabbat (Refreshments) Saturday, October 14, 2023 10:30 a.m. – Stollen Moments Deluxe & Shabbat Morning Service Learning and Prayer with Michael Hunter Ochs Followed by Kiddush Luncheon RSVP for the Oneg Shabbat and Kiddush Luncheon by September 18 at www.templeisraelcanton.org/spitzer (or call the Temple office at 330-455-5197)
50th Celebration Chair Cathy Atleson Honorary Host Committee Cathy and Mark Atleson | Marcia and Dr. Jay Berke Ed and Jo-Anne Buxbaum | Chelle and Dr. Larry Cohen Robert and Diane Friedman | Dr. Ronald and Adele Gelb Bev Gross | Marty and Lois Jacobson Lee and Paulette Karelitz | Rabbi David Komerofsky and Ronit Sherwin JuDeane and Drew Luntz | Tom and Anita Porter Sam and Bilha Ron | Shelley and Rob Schweitzer John and Barb Spera | Mark and Judy Tenenbaum Temple Israel Leadership Executive Officers 2023-2024 John Spera, President Mark Atleson, Treasurer Shelley Jurkiewicz, Secretary Shelley Schweitzer, Immediate Past President Board of Trustees Courtney Johnson-Benson | Todd Kotler (Brotherhood) Mary Jo Lockshin | Anita Porter | Stanlee Rosenblatt Susan Shafer | Barbara Spera (Sisterhood) | Suzanne Stieglitz Mark Taylor | Judy Tenenbaum | David Whitehill Lifetime Trustees Mark Atleson | Robert Friedman | Dr. Ronald Gelb Bev Gross | Martin Jacobson | Lee Karelitz