Thank you, Shelley. I feel I’ve known you forever, and the entire staff and I are thrilled to have you with us. Your good nature and constant smile make all of us feel so good.

Thank you Larry and the Celebration Committee. It has been such a pleasure, as always, to work with you.

And thank you, Rabbi Pohl, for requesting that I speak this morning.

I am honored to have the privilege of doing so, and only hope I can pay proper tribute to you by conveying to everyone the many special thoughts, feelings and memories that are in my mind and heart.

As many of you know, I have been working with Rabbi Pohl since March of 1980. He only managed to have one and half years here before I found him and made him hire me.

Of course the opportunity to work with him in the exotic surroundings of “the shed,” as everyone called it, was irresistible.

The fact that I knew very little about Judaism, that I had not worked in 14 years, that my secretarial skills were rusty, and that I had to share an office and sit only three feet from my new boss was not the least bit intimidating. Right! Making the situation even more complete, we were frequently joined by some of God’s furry little creatures.

I don’t know where I got the courage in the beginning, but I do know who made me feel confident and comfortable as time passed. Rabbi Pohl understood that I needed time to learn and improve, and he was patient and kind, and always the teacher.

As Larry mentioned earlier, in those days, Rabbi Pohl held every position there was to be had at BSO. Through the years, reluctantly, he has had to give most of them up!

He may not be obligated to serve in all of those capacities today, but he still works as hard as ever. He puts an inordinate amount of thought, time and effort into reading, researching and preparing for every service, sermon, class or event.

The ever-increasing demands on his time, energy and emotions sometimes come at great personal sacrifice, yet he is always available to everyone when needed.

He sees to it that the staff is always aware of his schedule and how he can be reached if he is not in the office.

Rabbi Pohl is extremely devoted to his congregation. Some people don’t get to know him well until they have a crisis, but once they become aware of what he provides to them in his own special way, they realize what a gem they have in him.

Rabbi Pohl is loved by young and old alike because he relates so well to everyone, regardless of age. He genuinely cares about people, is thoughtful, and is always ready to help. His warmth is contagious and people respond. I think that has been obvious.

You are really lucky to have a Rabbi who makes himself so accessible to you and who works so hard on your behalf. He gives so much of himself and accomplishes more than you can ever imagine. I deeply admire and respect his work ethic. I don’t know how he does it.

Just ask me how much work he can generate!

For instance, I counted, as best I could, the number of weddings Rabbi Pohl has performed since 1978 – I got at least 103.

I also counted B’nai Mitzvah. That number is around 1,000!

On behalf of the staff, I must tell you how much we all enjoy working with Rabbi Pohl. As I think everyone knows, he has a wonderful sense of humor! We all appreciate the fact that we can always joke with the Rabbi. He makes all of us feel comfortable and happy.

Let me give you a really good example of someone feeling comfortable. You all know Terry Smith who has been with us for 12 ½ years, since right before the nursery school opened.
When Terry ends his work day, he comes through the entire administrative wing to say goodbye to each and every one of us before leaving the building.

If the Rabbi’s door is open and only the Rabbi is in there, he’ll walk in without hesitation, say goodbye, and go out the Rabbi’s other door as a shortcut to the back of the building and his walk to the bus on Georgia Avenue.

He’ll say, “See you tomorrow, Rabbi.” And the Rabbi will say, “See you tomorrow, Buddy.” Buddy - doesn’t that say it all?

Can you imagine how good Terry feels about working in such an environment? No wonder he is so dedicated to B’nai Shalom of Olney.

And there is Mary Beth Mason, who has been with us for four years now. One day recently she said to me, “I just realized something. I feel so nurtured by Rabbi Pohl.” She was crying, she was so moved by the thought.

When he says thank you to her as he is leaving for the day she feels on top of the world. Is it any wonder she is so devoted and works as hard as she does?

Rabbi Pohl doesn’t even realize he is doing and saying these things that make such a difference to people. It is just his nature.

I know, because I have been a lucky recipient for all these years. I think that explains why I have been with him for almost 25 years. Never a day goes by that Rabbi Pohl doesn’t thank me for doing my job. He makes me feel valued and appreciated all the time. How can this not promote a desire to do your best?

Rabbi, I cannot thank you enough for all you have done for me as a person. Little did I know all those years ago what a positive impact you would have on my life. You have helped me in ways you don’t even know and can’t even imagine. Your kindness, encouragement, thoughtfulness and generosity are immeasurable.

My entire family joins me in congratulating you on this wonderful milestone. They are all happy that I have you to turn to whenever necessary. You have supported me in times of sadness and happiness. I know I can always count on you.

And, speaking of family, I must congratulate Max and Rose Pohl on raising such a fine son. His work ethic and strength of body and character can be traced directly to you. You have taught him all the really important things in life and we have all reaped the benefits and are very grateful to you.

On a personal level, thank you for the love and the many kindnesses you have continually bestowed upon me all these years. I feel very, very close to you and love you both dearly.

Sharon, we go all the way back to your first visit here. I’ll never forget it. I can still picture the Rabbi’s reaction to meeting you for the first time. He was off the singles’ market right then and there!

Rebecca, Ariela and Hadar – I of course remember when each of you was born. Your Abba was never happier! I don’t have to tell you much he loves you and how complete you and Ema make his life. It has been such a pleasure watching all of you grow up and it makes me realize how many years have really gone by!

Sharon’s parents, Ruth and Al Temin, you have been so wonderfully supportive to the Rabbi all these years. He so appreciates all you do and all the love you give him, and personally I thank you for all your many kindnesses to me as well.

I know having extended family and close friends here today means the world to Rabbi Pohl. He is such a good friend to his friends. As demanding as his schedule is, he always makes time to keep in touch.

Rabbi, I am thrilled that your congregation is honoring you today. You are more than deserving.

I am so grateful to be able to share in this wonderful celebration, but I am most grateful for the honor and privilege of working with you each and every day. My life has been greatly enriched through my association with you.

You have taught me so much about the meaning and beauty of Judaism. Through you I have learned how much one’s faith can make life worth living. I see evidence of it every day in you. It is what keeps you going. You not only teach about your faith, you really live it.

My respect and admiration for you has only grown over all these years. May you continue to enjoy many more happy, healthy years fulfilled by your love of Judaism.