Ad Journal | The Rabbi Billy Years

Rabbi Billy, You have been there for us from the first

moments of becoming a family and every lifecycle since.

We are grateful for your dedication and friendship

over the years & wish you all the best

in your next chapter.

Faye, Evan and Rachel Friedman

Dear Rabbi Billy,

It's hard to believe the young rabbi from Rockledge Road

is old enough to retire. We've shared so many memories

since those early days as neighbors on Rockledge Road.

From baby namings to consecrations, b'nai mitzvah, confirmations

, graduations, funerals, shivas, and even a wedding,

you've helped create countless meaningful moments for our entire family.

We are proud to have worked with you to engage our whole congregation

in building a new sanctuary, and we have loved watching you draw crowds

into that sanctuary for everything from joyous Simkhat Torah celebrations

to inspirational Shabbat speakers to uplifting Joyful Noise services.

These are all wonderful memories that we will always cherish and we are so grateful

for the many years we have been blessed to know you as our rabbi and friend.

With love and admiration,

Yvette and Larry Gralla

To our Rabbi, Through all of our most significant life events,

you have been there for our family.

Coming to WCT has always felt like coming home.

Thank you for all of your contributions to our lives.

You have made a difference. We will miss you!

Roz, Gary, Sarah, Allie, Matt, Joanna,
Mandy, Toby and all of our family

From the moment we joined WCT,

you encouraged us to get involved.

Through Derech, Mitzvat Mississippi, Board of Trustees,

B'nai Mitzvot and so many others, you have helped guide

our paths towards Tikun Olam.

We are eternally grateful for your guidance,
leadership and friendship.

The Linn Family

Our wish for you, dear Billy, is that you continue to be

who and how you are.

Lloyd, Roberta, Nicole, Emily & Juliana Roos

Continue to be who and how you are

Continue to allow humor to lighten the burden of hearts

Continue to let your eloquence elevate people to heights they had only imagined

Continue to remind people that each is as good as the other

and that no one is beneath nor above you

Continue to put the mantle of your protection around

the young, the old and the defenseless

Continue to ignore no vision which comes to enlarge your range

and increase your spirit
Continue and by doing so,

You and your work will be able to continue eternally.

- Adapted from Maya Angelou

Dear Billy,

In your 26 years as our Rabbi, you have made Woodlands a bright,

warm and welcoming place for our community, and the temple

has become the spiritual home where we've found faith and friends

for a lifetime. Your legacy includes countless accomplishments:

uplifting services, wise and inspiring sermons, and priceless

pastoral care. Moreover, you have served as a rabbinic bridge

to a new generation of congregants, b'nai mitzvah, and rabbinic interns -

teaching them how social action, and respect for all faiths

and peoples, are indeed core Jewish values.

We wish you the very best in your well-earned retirement --

and we know that your next chapter will include much more

"Joyful Noise." Your spirit is a permanent part of

the Woodlands community.

With all our love,

Angela, Irv and Matt Adler

Rabbi!

Billy!

You were always there for us,

and we learned so much from you.

With love and gratitude,

The Hirschfeld Family

Tom, Julie, Ben, and Leila

Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi taught:

"Only learning that is enjoyed will be learned well."

Billy, for decades our family has learned from you,

celebrated with you, and shared cherished moments.

We've been inspired by your sermons and stories

and the way you motivate us to bring about tikkun olam.

Thank you for giving of yourself in countless ways.

You've changed our lives and our community for the better.

We wish you and your family health and joy and peace always.

The Izes and Laks families

The Jewish Life Committee thanks you

for your guidance and allowing us to partner with you

in creating and executing meaningful Shabbat
and Holiday Services.

Pam and Joel Chernoff, Andy Farber,

Nancy and Chuck Fishman, Corey Friedlander,

Yvette Gralla, Gail Hacker, Abby Hirsh,

Lois and Jay Izes, Lauretta Kahn,

Jenna and Michael Lebowich, Fern Richter,

and Natalie Werner.

The Jewish Life Committee

Billy,

it was a great privilege to know you

and to drill someone so close

to the Almighty.

Irwin Miller and family

Billy - You have been with us through both joyous

and difficult times over the past 25 years.

We will always be grateful for your warmth and support.

Wishing you the best in the next phase of your journey!

Warmly, Bob Paley, Leslie Schneier Lauren, Ben
and Jess

Thank you Billy, for bringing joyful noise
(and meaningful thought) into our lives

for so many years.

We will always cherish our growthful times together.

Enjoy retirement!!

With love,

Doron, Joanne, Jared, Adam, Samara

We thank you for sharing our simchas and sorrows,

for educating our children,

for officiating at our B'nai Mitzvot,

for Joyful Noise, and just being our friend

throughout the years.

Sheila and Dick Sweet

Thank you, Rabbi Billy, for your spiritual guidance

and warm friendship through so many of our family's

most important milestones over the years.

We are excited to see you shine

in your next chapter.

With love and best wishes,

Faith, Marc, Josh and Sammi Ackerman

From Life Cycle events to Mitzvat Mississippi and all you have done for our family....

Thank You!

Some Retirement Homework:

- Read a new Book

- Think a new thought

- Make a new friend!

Love, Stu, Karen, Sammi & Josh Berlowitz

Retirement is Waiting Billy

So Many Well deserved TREASURES AWAIT YOU!

Enjoy!

Enjoy!

Enjoy!

The Friedman Brothers

Norm & Herb

Rabbi Billy, thank you

for being with our family

through every milestone moment

these past many years

and for all your care and inspiration.

The Garland-Loose Family

Mazel Tov, Rabbi Billy,

for 25 years

of spiritual leadership!

Todd Gordon and Susan Feder

Rabbi Billy,

It has been an honor and a joy
to worship, learn, and sing with you
all these years.

We're looking forward to seeing

what you do next!

With love and gratitude,

The Gralla/Chang Family

Heidi, Dean, Rachel, Brendan & Joshua

Billy, You have been a force and a friend

in the Jewish world and far beyond it,

and you deserve every accolade.

I am lucky to know you.

Thank you for all you do and how well.

Warmly, Abby Pogrebin

As the representatives of

our children's religious educations,

we hope you take this
new step in your life to...

meet a new friend,

read a new book,

and learn a new skill...

We love you!

The Religious School Board

Dear Billy,

Thank you making Woodlands

a wonderful place to raise our family!

We will miss you on Friday nights!

Wishing you all the best in your retirement.

Peter, Marianne, Abigail & Isabelle Ripin

Billy and Ellen -

Todah rabah

for so much joyful noise!

Much love,

The Sagner - Towers

Thank you for helping our family

to Be Torah.

The Scafidi Family

Mazel Tov, Rabbi Billy,

for 25 years of spiritual leadership!

Mark & Marjory Selig

The meaningful words & actions

of spiritual guidance you shared these past 25 years

are part of who we are as a family.

Thank you, Rabbi Billy

Mike, Stacey, Jackie, Glen, BJ & Unnati

Thank you for allowing us to accompany you
for the last 50 years.

We are overflowing with gratitude

for the service and modeling

that your life's example taught us.

Mazal Tov, Billy.

Susan and Rabbi Jonathan Stein

Billy:

Thank you for all you've done!

The Stern family sends you

our admiration & respect...

Fiona, Gavin, Kasey,

Mary Elizabeth & David

Best Wishes in Your Retirement!

Jeane Bodin, Dassi Citron, Judy Flamm,

Yvette Gralla, Lois Green, Abby Hirsch, Howard Hunter,

Audrey Kaplan, Judy Kessler, Jackie Leicht,

Meryl Lewis, Evie Lieb, Michelle Merer,

Rochelle Novins, Phyllis Opochinsky, Marge Philips,
Debbie Pollowitz, Sara Silverman,

Stacey Silverman, Marge Thrope, Liz Weinberg,

Frann Weinstein, Ann Zeliger, and Harriet Levine.

Thursday Morning Adult Jewish Studies Class

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT & INSPIRATION!

Best Wishes from the Woodlands Book Club:
Penny Apter, Jeanne Bodin, Valerie Fox, Sue Galin, Lois
Green, Abby Hirsch, Judith Kessler, Karen
Marguilies, Dottie Miller, Rochelle Novins,
Phyllis Opochinsky, Audrey Rosen, Fran
Rosenfeld, Marge Thorpe, Gail Zizmor

May your retirement

be as rewarding as your years at
Woodlands Community Temple.

Penny & Bob Apter

Thank you for helping each of us to find our own connection

with Woodlands. We will all miss you!

The Arbore Family

Dear Rabbi Billy,

We are grateful that you
have been our rabbi for all these years.

Thank you for teaching us, for leading us,

for inspiring us to do good deeds,

and for sharing in our families meaningful moments.

We will miss your stories, your songs,

your humor, and your compassion.

Mazel Tov on your retirement and we wish you
peace, health, joy and fulfillment in your next chapter.

Elise, Jim, Maeve and Charlotte Ballan

Harriet and Alan Wagner

Mazel Tov on your retirement!

Thank you for your 25 years of leadership.

You inspired us to become B'Nai Binah.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy future.

Selena and Tony Barron

Thanks Billy for your 25 years of spiritual leadership

and your advocating for social justice.

Enjoy your retirement, spending time

with your family,

singing, playing music and writing.

Chuck and Robin Bauer

Rabbi Billy - From the moment we met you, we
were instantly in love with Woodlands and you!

You have been with us since the beginning,
officiating at our wedding, naming our
children, assisting and mentoring Rachel &
Ali in becoming Bat Mitzvah and staying with
them through confirmation.

You have touched our lives in so ways, you
will never know.

We wish you eternal joy, happiness and success
in the next chapter of your life.

With all our love -

The Bloom Family

They say that all good things

must end someday.....

We'll miss you dearly as our Rabbi,

but we'll remember you as a lifelong friend.

Ken, Liz, David, Michael, Julie, Ryan,

Tyler, and Hilda Blum

Dear Billy,

Where do we start?

So many wonderful opportunities. Thank you for encouraging us

to dive in, to claim our share of Woodlands - The Board,

Project Ezra, Synagogue 2000, Adult Education, Torah Study,

Talmud, Social Action (The Sanctuary Projects, Civil Rights,

the Abayadaya, Mississippi, the Iftar Celebration), & so much more.

Thank you for being our Rabbi, our mentor, our teacher

& our friend. We will miss you and hope you & Ellen

have many healthy years filled with family, music & fun.

Much love,

Jeanne and Murray

BIlly, from the time we walked in the door

to enroll Aaron and Jesse in Religious School,

to B'nai Mitzvah classes and celebrations,

to less happy life-cycle events, you have led us
with humor, kindness, and wisdom.

We will miss you but we will never forget

the many lessons you have taught us.

Mazel Tov on this new chapter.

We can't wait to see what you do next.

With love,

Larry, Nancy, Aaron and Jesse

Dear Rabbi Billy, We are so grateful for your
guidance, friendship, laughter and music.

You made two generations of our family better
people through your teaching, and the third
generation will grow up in the knowledge that
you have passed to us.

You have shaped our family and our lives profoundly.

With love, Susie, Ed and the kids: - Heather,
Zach, May (7) and Naomi (4) - Melanie, Bob,
Josephine (4) and Jude (1) - Michael
and Taylor

The Brubaker Family

Dear Rabbi Billy,

26 years of dedication, spiritual leadership,
the constancy of your presence, exemplary teaching, loving
kindness, music, and, your humor!

Such a rich and wonderful legacy you've given to Woodlands.

From words to action you've set so many things in motion
demonstrating what it can mean to be Jewish in this world.

Through our family's many simchas, and a Conversion,

Thank You for being alongside us all the way

making the sacred so joyful.

May you grow from strength to strength.

We wish you joy & happiness.

And make lots of Music!

The Carrel Family

Maggie & Ira, Alec & Audrey, Lilly & Joe

Todah Rabah and Mazel Tov!

To our Rabbi, our Mentor and our Friend.

We wish you peace, joy and love

as you and your family write the next chapter

(and many more songs).

Martha & Michael

Mazel Tov, Rabbi Billy,

for 25 years

of spiritual leadership!

The Elkin Family

Much luck for your new future
with good health,

and lots of fun!

Our best,

Clare and Bob

Thank you for all you have done for our family, and for the entire

community. Your caring and inspirational leadership has guided us

through so many milestone moments. We wish you all the best in your

retirement. May this next chapter be filled with good health, peace,

love, and great music! We will miss you!

Julie, David, Sara and Owen Fischer

Mazel tov, Billy, on your retirement.

You have been a supportive teacher

and friend to us all.

We wish you all the best

as you begin a new chapter.

The Flamm Family

The Golden/Sipe/Berger Family

With gratitude for your kindness, welcoming,
wisdom, confirmation curriculum (!!!),
encouragement, and, most of all,

for the example that you set for me

and all of our rabbinic colleagues!

Wishing you nothing but blessings

on the next step of your adventure.

L'Shalom, Rabbi Howard J. Goldsmith
(aka Howie)

There are not enough words to express

what you mean to our family.

Every life event that you were a part of,

was made more meaningful or more bearable,

because of you.

Thank you!

Your presence in our life is a blessing

to our family and we love you!

Best wishes in your retirement

and the adventures that are ahead.

Amy, Fred, Andrew, Justin

and David Green

Thank you for making our special moments

from celebration to sorrow

so meaningful and memorable.

We will never forget you.

We wish you all the best.

Pietra, Alan and Ben

We wish you health, joy

and discovery in your next chapter.

With gratitude for all you bring.

Roni Beth and David

Wishing you and Ellen peace,
joy, and continued success

in all that awaits you

in the coming years,

Shelley and David Jacobson

Mazel Tov Dear Rabbi........

We will miss you terribly, but we are thrilled
that you are starting a new exciting chapter
in your amazing life.

It was an honor and a blessing to have you in our lives.

We wish you love and joy on your journey!

The Kahn Family

Many thanks for sharing

both the happy times and sad times

we spent together.

I wish you many exciting adventures

in the next phase of your life.

Alan Kaplan

A short time ago you were encouraging Eric to make a map

of Israel out of ice cream and leading a group of Woodlands youth
down to Manhattan to see your new play, Personals.

As your voice changed and you entered adulthood, we have had

the immense good fortune to experience your warm affection

and kindness, your wonderful sense of humor, musical talents,

concern for humanity and our world, and wisdom.

You are all grown up now and it's time to leave home.

But I'm sure you'll always be welcome back.

Thank you, Billy, for being an inspiration and friend

to three generations of our family.

With love,

Eric, Monica, Zoe, Phoebe, & Myron

Dear Billy,

Thank you for your relentless commitment to Tikkun

Olam, not only by urging our Temple to BE TORAH but by actively
leading and participating in so many social justice events.

Thank you for the Adult B'nei Mitzvah class.

Thank you for your teaching, especially Talmud and Chevra Torah.

Thank you for being you.

As you embark upon the journey of retirement, our wish for you
and Ellen is based upon Debbie Friedman"s T'filat Haderech.

May you be blessed as you go on your way

May you be blessed with health and joy

May you be guided and sheltered by the wings of peace

May you be kept in safety and in love

May grace and compassion find their way to you

May this be your blessing.

Kein Yehi Ratzon - May it be so -

Judith and Barry Kessler

Enjoy your next adventure.

Thank for being with us

in times both good and sad

over the last 25 years.

Marcia and Michael Kingston

and Family

Dear Billy, We are truly grateful for the comfort, guidance,

and wisdom you brought to all of us throughout the years.

You were present for both joyous and difficult events

in our lives, starting with Raquel's conversion

when she was only a few months old!

At every service you brought meaning, humanity and humor

in your efforts to inspire us to make the world a better place.

We will miss you but the role you played in our lives

will always be there.

We wish you the very best for your next chapter.

May you find fulfillment and joy, all in good health, as you
pursue other interests and spend precious time with your family.

Liz Knobler, Raquel and Michael Weinberg

The Levine Family

Zeke, Adrian, Emmett, Elizabeth and Darren

Mazel Tov, Rabbi Billy, on your retirement.

We will miss you and all the joyful noise
you create.

Toby, Barry, Charlie and Owen Linder

Twenty-five years ago, our search committee was looking for a rabbi

who was going to be with Woodlands for many years.

We clearly picked a good one!

Woodlands has been so blessed by your leadership and wisdom,

and personally, I've been honored to call you my teacher,

my colleague and my friend.

May you go from strength to strength, and may you

and your family enjoy the next stage of your life!

Kol tuv, Geoff, Heather, Caroline and Matthew

Mazel tov, Rabbi Billy

on your retirement!

We will miss you!

The Montague Family

Thank you for helping each of us

to have a deeper connection to Woodlands

over the past 20+ years.

We will miss your sensitivity, consideration
& sense of humor.

Enjoy your well-earned retirement!

The Morduch Rosenberg family

The Moskovitz family:

June, Don, Andy, Danny and Amy

Have a lifetime of love and caring
with you.

Mazel Tov on your retirement Rabbi Billy!

I feel blessed to have had you as my Rabbi
these many years.

Way back in 2011, with your compassion

and empathy, you encouraged me to get involved
with the Woodlands Community.

You made me feel so welcome every time

I came to services.

It was a joy to be your congregant.

We will all miss you.

With love and gratitude,

Rochelle Novins & Family

Billy, When we first considered joining
Woodlands back in 2004, you took time from
your Wildwood vacation to send us an email
that all but sealed the deal.

And here we are, 17 years later, all of us
able to say our lives have been transformed by
our association with you-and all that
is Woodlands.

Thanks so much for that.

We're looking forward to your next chapter.

With love, The Olstein-Winklemans:

Mike & Andrea, Ari, Imogene & John, Estelle & Mikey

Thank you, Rabbi and friend

* for walking with me through the cycles of life,

both those filled with joy

and the others diminished by sorrow
* for opening the doors to Jewish learning
* for teaching me to BE TORAH
* for inviting me into temple leadership
* for all the music
* for teaching me to pray with my feet
* for sharing Ellen, Katie, Jonah, Aiden

LOVE, Phyllis Opochinsky and Family

Thanks for being there to celebrate

the good times and sad times,

from confirmation to weddings to shivas.

We will miss you.

Wishing you a fulfilling retirement.

Debbie and Jim Pollowitz

Pirke Avot Teaches:

Make for yourself a teacher, and get for yourself a friend.

Thank you Rabbi Billy for being our teacher
and inspiring so many "Woodlands Rabbis"

to follow in your footsteps!

With much gratitude and friendship,

Geoffrey Mitleman, Lisa Izes, Vicky Armour-Hileman,
Julius Rabinowitz, Miriam Farber Wejnberg,
Maya Glasser, and Lisa Kingston

Rabbis who grew from

Woodlands Community Temple

Thank you for being a part of

our family's lives all these years.

Suzanne , David and we are so appreciative.

You hold a special place in our hearts.

Thank you and wishing you health and happiness
in the years to come.

Eileen and Peter Reiter

Billy...

thank you for all you have been to us

over the years at Kutz, Woodlands...

and beyond.

We love you and are excited

for your next chapter!!

With much love,

Eve, Elliott and Emma

Rabbi Billy,

We are so grateful for your many years of leadership:

of stories and music and
laughter and wisdom.

Mazel tov on your retirement and enjoy!

We'll miss you!!!

The Sacks and Richer Family

Rabbi Billy -

Thank you for your support and guidance

through the happiest and hardest times in our lives.

We are so grateful we found such a warm,
welcoming, socially engaged temple 15 years
ago and a rabbi who always made us think,
laugh, and feel inspired to do good in the world.

Congratulations on a job well done!

Wishing you joy, renewal, music, laughter,
peace, good health, and growth in the years ahead.

The Smith-Yarnold Family: Fran, David, Nicole

Thank you for making Woodlands a warm

and inspiring spiritual home for our family.

Your wisdom, kindness and call-to-action

will live on in our hearts and minds.

Wishing you all the best in your retirement!

Scott, Julie, Jordan, Emma & Allie Stein

Rabbi Billy, We are forever grateful that you
were a part of our family in the best of times
and the saddest times.

Your support will never be forgotten.

With great appreciation,

Fran, Adam, Will and Amanda Stein

Danielle and Jordan Sessler

Billy, thanks for making us feel welcome

and for inspiring us with your messages

of wisdom, compassion and good humor.

Gary, Anne, Ray and Henry Stern

Wishing you the best, Billy and Ellen,

in this new chapter of your lives.

Todah rabah for all you have done.

Keep on making joyful noise!

Much love,

Laura Stevens

With thanks for being so much more than a Rabbi to us.

You've been a teacher, a consoler, a friend, a
voice of reason and a true mensch.

You've taught us about the joys of being
Jewish as well as the responsibility we have
to help heal the world.

For all of that, we are eternally grateful.

Judy, Lew & Amy Stiefel

Mazel Tov, Billy!

What an incredible accomplishment.

We are grateful for everything you have given our family

in the few short years we've known you.

Best wishes from all of us!

Rose, Vinni, Vera and Juna

Billy,

We've shared so many wonderful memories together -

bat mitzvahs, weddings and so much more.

Wishing you the very best,

Mark and Liz Weinberg

&

Tammy, Matt, Sylvie and Ruby Black

Mazel tov to you and your family!

Thank you for being there for our family
throughout the years.

Wishing you all the best as you start

this new chapter.

Janet Weinstein, Nara Sandberg, Ben Sandberg & Stephen Stecker

Our families have crossed many paths over the years:

through religion, theater, schooling, challenges and achievements,
through a mutual love of dogs, and most of all
through friendship.

We have loved being a part of the community you've fostered, and have learned
so much from you through our connections. You may be physically leaving

Woodlands, but your lessons, guidance and love live on in so many of our memories,

and have shaped so many of our lives.

Thank you for everything, and cheers to a new leash on life.
Dassi, Bill, Simone and Danielle

Mazel Tov Rabbi Billy!

Wishing you good health and happiness

in your retirement - we hope it's a time to enjoy

all of the things you love to do

with all of the people you love.

Thank you for supporting us through so much
and making our time at Woodlands so special.

Susan and Sammi Aibinder

Mazel Tov, Rabbi Billy.

Wishing you a Long, Happy

and Healthy Retirement.

All The Best!!!

Diane & Bob Altneu and Family

Billy, it doesn't matter where you go

or what you do.

You will always be my rabbi.

Much love,

Rabbi Vicki Armour-Hileman

Thank you Billy for helping me to become

a Bat Mitzvah. It meant a great deal to me

and fulfilled a dream I harbored for many years.

Also, your support and sensitivity

at my parents' funerals

was much appreciated

and will not be forgotten.

Best wishes always.

Eileen Ascher

Thank you and mazel tov!

Lois and Bernie Bacharach

Our family became part of the Woodlands Community

your first year as Rabbi.

First the son became bar mitzvah, then the daughter

became bat mitzvah, and then, two years ago,

the mother became b'nai mitzvah and converted

to Judaism with your spiritual guidance.

We will miss your sermons, your support in difficult times

and the sharing of joyful moments.

We wish you a fulfilling retirement and much joy

with your family.

David, Elizabeth, Jessica, Jonathan, Samantha, and Molly

The Barnhard/Katz Family

Thank You Rabbi Billy.

For your knowledge, generosity,

and the attention that you paid to us,

we are all the better.

Love and the Best to You Always,

Janis, Larry, Mae, and Shayna Berglas

Thank you, Billy, for being our Rabbi.

Thank you for officiating

at our life cycle events.

Thank you for being an inspiring teacher.

And thank you for being our friend.

Ira and Phyllis Berkowitz

Thank you so much for being such an integral

part of our family. You have seen us grow

and we are grateful to have received many blessings

from you. We wish you health and happiness in the years

to come.

Marina, William, Johan, Katja

plus their spouses & children

Thank you, Rabbi Billy,

for the warmth of your welcome,

your spiritual guidance

and for being such a great teacher.

When we were looking for a temple,

and came to a Woodlands service,

we knew we found a home.

We wish you the very best as you embark on
your next chapter.

Lee and Nanci Brickman

Thank you for your guidance and support to us
and our children.

We are grateful for the many milestones

we shared with you.

We will miss you and wish you good health

and happiness as you start this next chapter

in your life.

Marie and Marty Cohen

Mazel Tov Rabbi Billy!

Thank you for your leadership,
infectious energy
and perspective.

The Dames Family

Mazel Tov!

Thank you for your inspiring mentorship,

your warmth and kindness, and your humor.

We will miss you!

The Dan Family

Mazel Tov, Rabbi Billy,

for 25 years of spiritual leadership!

Thank you for all your inspiring words

over the years.

We thank you for officiating the first ZOOM
Bar-Mitzvah at WCT, and making that day

as special as it could be for Jaron

and our family (including all of our kitties :).

The Davidson/Soboroff family

Your guidance and loving support through all
our years at Woodlands will never
be forgotten.

We wish you so much happiness in this next
chapter of your life.

With gratitude and love,

The DeLucia Family

Wishing you good health,
happiness and excitement

as you begin the next chapter

of your life.

Renee Doynow

Toda raba.....

for making us think, for making us laugh,

for all that you have done

to make our lives more meaningful!

With love and gratitude, we wish you

all the best as you embark on

this next phase of your life.

Andrea, Adam, Jordan, Jeannie & Jon

Thank You, Rabbi Billy,

And Mazel Tov!

The Emery Family

Mazal Tov Rabbi Billy on your retirement.

We are grateful for the many years of
leadership, guidance, humor, and music.

We are sorry to be losing you,

but we are excited to hear what the future holds

for the Dreskins!

Jamie, Andrew, Meredith, and Jordan Fox

3 B'nai Mitzvot

2 Confirmations

1 Wedding
Too many funerals and shiva services

+ Countless learning sessions, congregational
events, committee meetings

and random conversations

Equals how much you've been a big part of our lives.

You'll be missed.

Thanks for it all!

Karen, Mark, Audra, Matt & Sara Fox

We can't thank you enough

for being our remarkable Rabbi.

We wish you the best for your next chapter.

With love and gratitude -

Rochelle, Jeff, Sophie and Sam

Mazel Tov, Rabbi Billy!

We're so excited for your next chapter.

We will always be grateful for your
leadership, thoughtfulness and sense of humor.

You will be greatly missed!

Rachel Friedman and Reid Packer

The Gabay Family is grateful to have been

a part of The Billy Years!

We will miss your easy smile, compassionate
heart and terrific sense of humor.

Liz, Sydney and Samantha

Thanks for the memories.

Bonnie and Bob George & family

You are Woodlands Temple to me.

The temple became a lively place

with your leadership, the music, the sermons

and your open manner to Jesse and me.

You made Woodlands a special place.

Best of luck when you move on.

With love,

Nancy Gladstone

Mazel Tov, Rabbi Billy, on beginning

the next chapter of you life.

From being Danny's confirmation leader

as the Woodlands Rabbinical Intern in 1986

to co-officiating at his wedding in 2002,

to Cantor Ellen's leading Dorothy's unusual Bat Mitzvah,

you and Ellen have been there for so many of our simchas.

Now we wish you only simchas on your retirement

and express our gratitude and joy
for all you have done for us and for Woodlands.

Marge and Steve Glusker

May this new chapter of your life

be filled with good health, peace, happiness,

love and wonderful memories.

Mazel Tov!

Love,

Joy, David & Melanie

Thank you Rabbi Billy for providing our family

with the religious guidance we all need in keeping us on the path

to righteousness and doing so with so much love.

You have inspired us through the years with your sermons

and your vision. We are all better for it.

You have been with us through B'nai Mitvahs, weddings
and births. How wonderful. Thank you always.

Best wishes to you and your family as you move into

this new phase of life!

With love.

Marsha and Lenny Green and Family

Mazel Tov, Rabbi Billy,

for 25 years

of spiritual leadership!

Rabbi Fred & Deborah Greene

Thank you for making our special moments so meaningful and special. Wishing you all the best on your retirement.

Love from Gail, John and Adam Hacker

Wishing you a lifetime of continued learning,
laughter and many more adventures
through life!

After all, you have been there for us

through so many of ours.

Thank You forever Billy.........

The Hagouel, Perlstein, Penn
and Lane Gottfried Clan

Twenty years ago, as newcomers to the community,

we found a home at Woodlands.

A place to help our children understand

the value of Judaism.

A place to continue adult Jewish education.

A place to celebrate with a community.

Even though we are all now many miles away,
Woodlands is still "Macon Shelibi Ohave"
for all of us.

Thank you, Billy, for everything.

The Hirth Family

Mazel Tov Rabbi Billy.

We have been together for over 25 years and now it is time

for you to start an exciting new adventure.

You are the Rabbi that we could talk to, relate to, admire

and share in all of our life's passages both Blessings and sorrows.

May your future be bright

like the burning of your Shabbos candles.

May you know that you will always have a place in our hearts.

We will miss you terribly.

It was an Honor and a Blessing to have you in our lives.

Love,

Mike and Trudy Holand and Family

To Billy, the Rabbi our Hearts Hold Dear,

It's like the last song at the B'nai Mitzvah party says:

In good times, and bad times,

I'll be on your side forever more,

That's what friends are for.

Thanks for always being not only our Rabbi,
but our Friend, always on our sides.

Thank you for making Woodlands such a special
place for our family.

Wishing you and your family only the best with love,

Jill and Richard Iturbe and Family

Mazel Tov, Rabbi Billy, for
25 years of
spiritual leadership!

Robin Joseph

Mazel Tov, Rabbi Billy,

for 25 years

of spiritual leadership!

Rick Kaskawits and Family

Mazel Tov, Rabbi Billy,
for 25 years
of spiritual leadership!

Myron Katz & family

The Katz Family wishes

Rabbi Billy

all the best

as he turns the page

to his next chapter.

Shelli & Alan Katz and Family

Mazel Tov, Rabbi Billy,

for 25 years

of spiritual leadership!

The Klarsfeld family

Thank you for all

your support and inspiration.

Mazel Tov

Elsa Kleinman and family

"Bye, bye Billy , We're gonna miss you so
Bye bye Billy, Why'd you have to go ...."
Wishing you a wonderful

and well-deserved retirement!

Enjoy this new chapter in your life .

With good health, much joy and fulfillment.

Congratulations!!

All the best always,

The Kohn/ Rockafellow Family

Mazel tov Rabbi Billy.

Enjoy your retirement!

We will miss you.

The Kronenberger Family

Billy, It has been a great journey with some special stops

along the way: celebrating life cycle events, being our

spiritual leader for over twenty five years, benefitting from

your love of music with "Joyful Noise" Shabbats

and various other musical events.

For all these things, we thank you so much.

Both your inspiration and influence will remain with us.

We wish you, Ellen and the family all the very best

and that you achieve peace and fulfillment

in all your future endeavors.

Shalom ve ahava,

Jackie and Nelson Leicht

However you spend your next years,

may they be filled

with joy.

Harriet Levine

If your actions create a legacy that inspires
others to dream more, learn more, do more

and become more, then you surely deserve

the title of "Super Rabbi".

Best wishes for a joyful retirement.

Meryl Lewis and Marge Thrope

Rabbi Billy ~~~

Congratulations on this milestone in your life.

Our families have shared simchas and sadness,
and we wish you and your family

all the best going forward.

Enjoy wonderful occasions and endeavors

in the next chapter of your life.

~ Fondly~

The Lucks Family

Mazel Tov, Rabbi Billy.

Thank you for your leadership!

The Luftig Family

Mazel Tov, Rabbi Billy!

Thank you for your leadership,
your insight, and your humor.

You will be missed.

The Malkin Family

After we met you for the first time,

we knew WCT would be a great fit

for our family.

Congratulations on a well deserved retirement!

Keith, Ashley and Emery Margulis

Wishing you a long, happy,

and healthy retirement.

May it be even better than you ever imagined.

Mazel tov!

Marjorie Mattel and Richard Rosen

Mazel Tov, Rabbi Billy,
for 25 years
of spiritual leadership!

The Mazin Family

Mazel Tov, Rabbi Billy,
for 25 years
of spiritual leadership!

Evalyn, Jay, Robert,

and Amy Mendelson

Dear Billy,

As president of your mutual
musical fan club, from Brandeis until now,

I wish you a retirement filled with ample time

to create new worlds of music.

Larry Milder

Mazel Tov, Rabbi Billy,

for 25 years

of spiritual leadership!

Dorothy Miller

Mazel Tov, Rabbi Billy,
for 25 years
of spiritual leadership!

The Miller Family

Mazal tov to Rabbi Billy Dreskin

and thank you for, among many other things,

modeling for our students a rabbinate worth emulating!

Wishing you and your family

all that you hope for

in this new chapter of your lives.

Warmly,

Rabbi Margaret Moers Wenig

HUC-JIR-NY

Thank you, Rabbi Billy,

for 25 years of dedication

and service to our community.

Enjoy the next chapter

in life's journey!

The Oren Family

Congratulations to

Woodlands Community Temple

on this Milestone.

Marge & Harry Phillips

Mazel Tov, Rabbi Billy,
for 25 years
of spiritual leadership!

Karen Ponce and Family

Wishing you a wonderful retirement!

Enjoy the new chapter of your life.

We hope it's filled with good heath,
relaxation and fun!

The best to you always and CONGRATULATIONS!

Liz and Mark Rauchwerger

Rabbi Billy, thank you for making Woodlands

such a special and welcoming home for our
community and our family and for instilling
Jewish values in us all.

We are grateful for your guidance and leadership.

We will miss your warm and cheerful presence,
but you will forever be a part of Woodlands.

Wishing you peace, health and joy in your retirement,

Debbie, Todd, Brandon and Adam Restler

Live long and prosper

And make music!

Audrey Rosen

Thank you Billy

for warmly welcoming us these recent years

to the Woodlands community,

for your steadfast inspiration

to address social action and justice,

for the prayers you sing

and the guitar you play ~

and for the light you kindle in our world.

Mazel tov on your retirement, hope you enjoy old delights,

new discoveries and have lots of fun along the way.

Our best to you,

Nancy and Dave Samson

Rabbi Billy,

Years ago you came to teach us at Hadracah.

You came to Kutz with Corey, and told us how you and Corey
worked together.

It was inspiring to listen to both of you.

This was soon after Jonah's death.

I remember being so impressed that you were able to honor Jonah by
sharing your knowledge with us.

I wish you much joy and happiness in the next part of your life.

It has been wonderful watching the Woodlands services on Zoom.

Ronni Schatz

My favorite times with Rabbi Billy

were during our 10th grade confirmation classes.

We were all thrilled to get to spend

the whole evening with him to pick his brain.

During these weekly sessions, we were all given the opportunity
to explore what Judaism meant to us,

and discover our own Jewish identities and beliefs.

I always appreciated the open conversations that Billy encouraged,

and the wonderful community he fosters at WCT.

Thank you, Billy, for the many years of wisdom and smiles!

Julia Selig

I remember in 2008 during my bar mitzvah

after I had just given a speech analyzing my Torah portion

about respecting your parents and Rabbi Billy responded

by asking me if I watched the show South Park.

I excitedly said yes and that it was my favorite show.

He told me that he hopes we all treat our parents much better
than how the kids in South Park treat their parents.

I always enjoyed Rabbi Billy's sense of humor and wisdom

that he always carried with him no matter what,

whether it was a pre-confirmation meeting in his office,

during a High Holiday sermon, or when I was lucky enough

to see him walking his dog around the neighborhood

when I was home from college.

I am very lucky to have him as my Rabbi.

Ted Selig

Rabbi Billy has always been the coolest Rabbi.

My friends and I used to come to Friday night services in our pajamas,

sit in the front row, and make closing song requests.

He made going to temple fun and the community

at Woodlands feel like family.

He promised at my 12th grade graduation from Woodlands

that he'd officiate my wedding, even if he's retired,

and he's holding true to the promise.

He will be missed by all, but we're all better off

for having his guidance, laughter, and stories in our lives.

Lexi Selig

To our Rabbi and friend who exemplified these words:

Say little, do much, and bring people closer to the Torah.

And always take a moment for laughter....

Margot Serwer & Cantor Jonathan Gordon

Mazel Tov, Rabbi Billy, for 25 years of spiritual leadership!

We greatly appreciate all you have done

for our family and the community.

The Sirotin Family (including Zatch)

Thank you for all you've done for us and

the many other families of Woodlands Community Temple.

Wishing you good health and joy on your next chapter!

The Sommer Family

Hard to believe it was 21 years ago

when we met you during our baby naming

for Leandra at WCT! With you as the Rabbi,

we knew WCT was a temple for us!

Thank you for being part of our many lifecycle events

and we wish you good health and happiness

as you begin the next chapter in your life!

Mazel Tov on your Retirement!

Richard, Sandy, Dean and Leandra Spilka

Thank you

for all you have done!

Susan and Andy Sterling

Au revoir Billy...

these are difficult words as you and Ellen have become

cemented in my brain as stalwarts of Woodlands.

As President, I was on the Nominating Committee

that selected you as Intern those many years ago.

You were so intelligent and articulate, with a sharp wit

and a way of connecting with us that placed you

in the class of "special" that we recognized in our Rabbinic history.

You have served well, especially with our young people.

Thank you for your lifetime of commitment.

You will be missed.

Renee Trell

Thank you for your wonderful support

and kindness over the past 25 years.

Sandy & Jerry Turetsky

As founding members of Woodlands Community Temple,

we want to say that the last twenty-five years under your leadership

has been some of the best years in our Temple's existence.

You have been with our families through all of our life cycles.

You have watched some of our family members go from birth

to manhood and most importantly with a strong sense of Judaism.

As we look forward to the future, we hope to continue on the road
you have laid out for us, not only spiritually but personally.

We wish you and your family a long, happy and healthy life

and look forward to having our paths cross many times in the future.

With much love, affection and thanks,

The Tvert and Hudson Families

As we pay tribute to your service as our Rabbi, it seems fitting
to us that we acknowledge the volunteers that served as well.

They include all the officers, trustees, committee chairpeople,
committee members and all the congregants who gave of their time
and energy to support our Temple.

During your tenure, you encouraged the members, young and old,

to support not only our Temple but many, many causes

throughout our community and the world.

You have instilled this feeling of volunteerism

that will continue to flourish and remain

"The Place That My Heart Holds Dear."

Thank you for your leadership.

The Tvert and Hudson Families

Rabbi Billy - thank you

for being my mentor, my teacher,
my rabbi!

Mazel tov on your retirement!

Rabbi Miriam Wajnberg

Mazel Tov Rabbi Billy!

May your retirement be a long and healthy one,
with days filled with enjoying family,

good friends, good books and music!

Thank you for being there for us

throughout the years, in joyful and sad times,

and for your years of spiritual leadership,

friendship and teaching.

With all our best wishes,

Fran and Mark Weinstein

Dear Rabbi Billy,

As one season followed
another, your humor, spirituality, resilience
and perseverance were guideposts

for our family.

We thank you and wish you many blessings

in the years ahead.

Roberta, Roger and Allison Wetherbee

Mazal tov on this honor, and for the gifts
you not only have given to countless humans
who have been in your presence, but to me -

as a mentor, guide and friend.

Supporting you teaching Confirmation,

singing and leading back when I was a student,

and always feeling a part of the Woodlands Family
has been a significant part of my growth

as a cantor and as a human.

Only love.

Cantor Rosalie Will

Thank you Rabbi Billy for sharing the MANY JOYS

with our Family throughout the Years.

Wishing you Health & Much Joy

in your Retirement.

We will Miss You.

The Woolf Family

Lewis, Reta, Jessica, Jonathan,
Bruna, Olivia & Julia

Rabbi Billy, About twenty years ago, when our family began

our search for a synagogue to join, on our first visit,

we knew Woodlands was the place we wanted Mariah

to pursue her Jewish education and for us to become members.

Much of that decision was based on the first service we attended.

You exuded warmth, humor and conviction of your ideals

that we easily embraced.

We are going to miss these attributes in addition to

all of your talents on and off the bimah.

So as you begin your new journey of fulfillment and joy,

all the best and thank you for being our Rabbi.