Volunteer of the Month – August 2021

Volunteer of the Month: Raye Murphy

Temple Beth El experienced a true blessing when Raye Murphy decided after studying Judaism with Rabbi Briskin to join our TBE Family. Raye says she found her way back home when she entered through our doors some fifteen years ago. Her last name may fool you and her path to get here may be a bit circuitous, but her spirit and commitment to a Jewish way of life is who she is to her core.

Raye is a giver in every aspect of her life. She is an amazing mother and grandmother and provides for her family with remarkable devotion, love, and time. Raye retired from teaching where she not only mentored her kindergarteners and their parents, but also her colleagues who were new to the profession and those who were veterans. She mentored them to do their best for their valued possessions – those little tykes she was teaching. Every school administrator benefitted from having Raye at their school and in the community.

Temple Beth El is no different from Raye’s career pathway. She has been giving back to TBE from the moment she made her commitment to our beloved temple. She has served on the temple Board of Education, the Religious Living Committee, the Board of Directors as an executive member in the position of Secretary, co-chaired thank you parties for Rabbi Briskin and for Rabbi Kohn, led Torah School fund raisers, volunteered in the Sisterhood temple gift shop, generously helped to make the renovation of the temple elevator a reality, and served as an Office Volunteer for Carrie and Shoni. Perhaps Raye is best known for making and sharing her scrumptious challot for various services at TBE including Torah on the Trails, the Healing Service, and special Shabbat and B’nai Mitzvot services. Most recently, Raye has organized the viewing of the film, “Duty Free” on behalf of our temple. Raye lovingly brings amazing homemade sweets to meetings she attends and shares her recipes whenever asked. Raye has been an active member of Social Action where she has stepped up to organize the sandwich making program that supports Family Promise. Everyone needs a Raye in their life to be their friend who will support them unconditionally and generously. Temple Beth El is truly blessed to have her in our congregation, and because of her, we all experience real joy. Thank you, Raye. We are so very grateful for you.

If you would like to nominate someone as Volunteer of the Month, please reach out to Carrie Jacobs. Thank you so much!