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2008 Hope Award Celebration & Fundraiser
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2008 Hope Award Honorees
Rabbi Steven Folberg
2008 Hope Award Honoree. Rabbi
Steven Folberg is a native of Philadelphia. He received his Bachelor of
Arts in Psychology from LaSalle University and was ordained at the
Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City in
1985. He served for six years as Assistant and Associate Rabbi at
Temple Beth-El of Great Neck, New York before he moved to Austin in
1991 to become the religious leader of Congregation Beth Israel. Rabbi
Folberg is devoted to the vision of a warm, welcoming, inclusive Reform
congregation devoted to learning, spiritual growth and social justice.
Rabbi Folberg is known as a captivating teacher of both children and
adults. He is the co-author of a high school Jewish history textbook,
Bright Lights In Dark Times. He has served on the Executive Board of
the Central Conference of American Rabbis. Rabbi Folberg is passionate
about protecting the natural environment and helped to found JEVA, the
Jewish Environmental Voice of Austin. He is married to Saundra Goldman,
PhD., a writer and Art Historian. Saundra and Rabbi Folberg were
blessed with a daughter, Shira Lillian, in 2001.
Congregation Beth Israel
2008 Hope Award Honoree.
In September 1876, a group of pioneer Jews met in the mayor's
office of the City of Austin to organize Congregation Beth Israel.
Chartered by the State of Texas in 1879, the congregation built its
first house of worship in 1884 on the corner of 11th and San Jacinto
streets in the heart of downtown Austin. Since its establishment, Beth
Israel has grown to more than 650 member families and has followed
evolving Reform Judaic traditions of worship, community involvement and
education. Today, its diverse membership offers numerous opportunities
to explore and experience the rich treasure of Jewish culture, belief
and practice.
United Methodist Women of Austin
2008 Hope Award Honoree. The
United Methodist Women of the Austin District have been trail blazers
in the Austin community for many years. An example of their
commitment to social justice and equity in Austin can be found in the
Montopolis Friendship Community Center, which they founded over 50
years ago. The Center provides a rich array of services to the
people of the Montopolis community including early childhood programs,
a “seniors” activities project, and a scholarship program
for local students. The UMW has a long history of supporting
racial and economic justice, public education, and environmental causes
within the Austin community and has been a strong supporter of AAIM and
interfaith work.
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