Record #: R2016-315   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 5/18/2016 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 5/18/2016
Title: Congratulations extended to Debby Lewis on retirement as ritual director of Anshe Emet Synagogue
Sponsors: Cappleman, James
Attachments: 1. R2016-315.pdf
Resolution Congratulating Debby Lewis on her Retirement
WHEREAS, The members of the Chicago City Council wish to congratulate Debby Lewis on her retirement as the Ritual Director of Anshe Emet Synagogue of the Lakeview community; and
WHEREAS, The City Council has been notified of this important occasion by the Honorable James Cappleman, Alderman of the 46th Ward; and

WHEREAS, Debby Lewis is a graduate of Northeastern Illinois University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. She was a social worker counseling teenagers for eight years and was Office Manager at Altman Machinery Company; and

WHEREAS, Debby Lewis became active at Anshe Emet Synagogue in the mid-1980's when she brought her son Robert to the Shabbat morning children's service leading to her enrolling Robert in the Joseph & Belle Braun Anshe Emet Religious School in which she became active; and
WHEREAS, Debby Lewis began attending morning minyan regularly in 1999 after the death of her mother. She then learned how to chant Haftorah and lead various services at Anshe Emet. She ascended to the role of Ritual Director at Anshe Emet Synagogue in 2002; and WHEREAS, Debby has successfully tutored hundreds of Bar and Bat Mitzvah students as they prepare to become adult participants in Jewish life; and

WHEREAS, Debby Lewis has nurtured the development of Anshe Emet's choir, Shireinu; and
WHEREAS, Debby Lewis is the leader of the daily morning minyan. She is forever cheerful and welcoming to attendees in the very early morning hours of this service; and
WHEREAS, Debby Lewis has continued to study her craft by learning the art of cantorial singing and serving as the second cantor at the synagogue. Her dedication, cantorial skill, teaching acumen, generosity of spirit and incredibly welcoming nature will be missed at Anshe Emet; and
WHEREAS, Debby Lewis looks forward to spending time during her retirement with her family, including her husband Dr. GaborTarjan and her two grandchildren, Nellie and Leo Lewis; now,...

Click here for full text