Dear Congregants,

We would like to share the news that two valued members of our staff, Bekki Kaplan and Kathy Kaberon, will be retiring on June 30, 2025.

For many years, Bekki and Kathy have played essential roles in the life of our synagogue. Bekki, in her various roles—including Executive Director until 2022, and now in her part-time role as Director of Community Life—has strengthened our community with her dedication and leadership throughout synagogue daily life and the many milestones of our community, including partnering with our lay leadership for the successful building renovations and T'rumah Capital campaign. Kathy started her career at Beth Emet, leading our Early Childhood program until 2020. She then shifted her role to part-time Director of Young Family Engagement. Kathy has supported and guided numerous families, fostering connections and creating a welcoming environment for our youngest members.

Their contributions have been significant, and while they will be greatly missed, their work has helped shape a strong foundation for the future. As we prepare for this transition, we do so with appreciation for all they have given to our community. We have already begun looking ahead in terms of staffing and programming to ensure that Beth Emet remains strong and vibrant. 

We hope you will join us in celebrating their many contributions, along with retiring Director of Lifelong Learning Marci Dickman, at Kabbalat Shabbat services on May 9, 2025. Please save the date as we come together to honor these extraordinary individuals who have shaped Beth Emet in so many lasting ways.

Below are personal notes from each of them:

What a journey it has been since I arrived at Beth Emet nearly 24 years ago. I consider myself incredibly blessed to have worked with such a thoughtful and dedicated Klei Kodesh and staff. Equally so, I remain grateful to every member and lay leader with whom I had the good fortune of knowing and partnering in this sacred work. You have each inspired me, challenged me, taught me, and graciously allowed me into your lives and your Jewish journeys. I am humbled and honored to have served this community, whom I hold in such high regard. I cherish our congregation and what we have been able to build together, and I look forward to remaining active as a “civilian” member. From strength to strength, as they say. Bekki Kaplan

I’ve had such an amazing journey, from subbing in a nursery school classroom here 30 years ago to becoming the Director of our Early Childhood Program and then Director of Young Family Programming. The honor of doing this sacred work, alongside our remarkable and visionary Klei Kodesh and staff over the decades, has been a gift. Welcoming the many families who have ‘stepped in’ to Beth Emet with their little ones is quite possibly the most delightful and rewarding ‘responsibility’ anyone could have. This is a remarkable community. My husband Daniel and I treasure this congregation and look forward to many more years here. Kathy Kaberon

With gratitude,

Lee Weintraub, Board President

Rabbi Andrea London