Rabbi Ilana Garber
Photo credit: Cara Paiuk

WEST HARTFORD – Rabbi Ilana Garber, an associate rabbi at Beth El Temple in West Hartford, has been selected as the first alumni award presented by the Solomon Schechter Day School of Newton, Mass. Garber, who graduated from the school in 1991, was selected for her leadership, commitment and compassion, honoring her work at Beth El and in the wider community.

She was nominated by Dr. Vera Schwarcz, a professor at Wesleyan University, who wrote, “Ilana’s credibility is very high precisely because she embodies the ideals of a Solomon Schechter alumna: she leads by example with deep dignity and compassion for all. This is truly a rare gift and so many of us are privileged to have benefited from her transformative vision of what it means to be a Jewish woman, a rabbi and a community leader.”

“Since 2005 Rabbi Garber has blessed our congregation with her remarkable blend of Jewish knowledge, passion and creativity,” notes Beth El Senior Rabbi Jim Rosen. “She tirelessly seeks to touch others through her devotion to traditional and innovative venues of teaching and serving as a caring rabbinic presence. She is a marvelous colleague who has made an immeasurable difference in our community.”

The award will be presented at the school’s eighth grade graduation on June 17 at Congregation Mishkan Tefila in Chestnut Hill.