CBI Blogs

Shalom Chaverim,

In Israel, when we say so long to friends at the end of a visit we say “l’hitraot”. This Hebrew word means “see you later” as opposed to goodbye.

As I write to you this afternoon, we in the temple offices are preparing to say l’hitraot to our Executive Assistant to the Clergy, Trish Ivey. Of course, like so many endings, this one is bittersweet.

Trish has been a dependable member of our temple support staff for 6 years. During this time she has supported us through the beginning of Rabbi Levy’s tenure with us, a global pandemic, the arson, renovation of our social hall and temporary housing in Huffman Hall at St. Matt’s Episcopal Church and so much more.

If your child was called to the Torah in the past six years you communicated with her to make appointments with the Rabbis, submitted parent’s blessings and honors forms, and received a goody bag of gifts on the morning of your child’s celebration. Beyond b’nei mitzvah she has connected you to a member of the clergy team for baby namings, weddings, and when a loved one has died. She has been a constant connection between you - our synagogue family members, and your clergy team.

Trish was our remarkable behind-the-scenes tech support for every shabbat service (erev and morning) throughout the months during the pandemic when we led our community in prayer from our homes. She also played a key role in planning three of our galas over the past 4 years with the additional generosity and assistance of her husband, Logan. Trish even made sure to be present for annual meetings so she could meet and greet so many of you all while lending a hand when needed.

Outside of her daily tasks and “other duties as assigned” Trish is leaving a legacy of kindness, empathy, and understanding. We, Congregation Beth Israel, have been blessed to have her light shining in our spaces and while we are saddened by her departure we are also excited for her next adventure.

Trish will be at her desk on Friday, July 26^th and responding to her work email: clergyoffice@bethisrael.org for her last day. I encourage you, if you are so moved, to email her a thank you note or to share a memory of how she has helped you during her time with us. If you are reading this after 3 p.m. on Friday, July 26^th, please be sure to email her here: tivey72@gmail.com.

L’hitraot Trish Ivey, may the road ahead be smooth and may you always know that you have a home here at CBI.

Shabbat Shalom.