RETIREMENT TRIBUTE
in honor of
DR. BETSY DOLGIN KATZ

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Betsy Katz (middle) together with Norton Wasserman (FMAMS Board Member)
and Gordon Zacks (Chair of FMAMS Board)

by Judy Meltzer, FMAMS Director, Baltimore, MD

In two weeks we begin the celebration of Hannukah. While I know that it is regarded as a minor Jewish holiday, Hannukah has always had major implications for me. It’s a warm and wonderful festival that commemorates a story of courage and devotion.  The eight-day celebration engenders beautiful experiences and lasting memories.  The candles brighten our lives in celebration of the power of the spirit and the ability of G-d’s people to live by the divine light.   

And what does Hannukah mean? It means dedication, of course, but it also means education. What a perfect paradigm to employ in honoring our esteemed director, respected teacher, and beloved friend, Betsy Katz.

Like the Shamash, Betsy stands tall and independent, but always surrounded by other candles.  The Shamash is a helper candle that enables other candles to shine just as Betsy has helped hundreds, no, thousands of people – directors, students, and teachers - to shine, and in turn, to shed light on others.  

The laws of Hannukah decree that the lights be placed in a window, so they can be seen by many people.  Under Betsy’s leadership, the Melton Menorah has been placed in the windows of the world, proclaiming the miracle of adult learning.    Hannukah challenges Jews today to ask themselves the question: are we ultimately Jews?  Yes, says Betsy, but the key to being Jewish is making the right Jewish choices.  The real task is to wage the guerilla warfare that weans people from their apathy and insecurity and encourages them to become learning Jews.  Don’t curse the darkness, light a candle.

I was asked to speak on behalf of my fellow directors.  A somewhat daunting assignment given the feisty, independent nature of the men and women I am proud to call my colleagues.  And I was asked to thank Betsy on their behalf.  Here I feel confident.  I know on this subject we are in total agreement.  And so, stepping outside the metaphorical construct of the Hannukiah, I want to say thank you, dear Betsy.  Thank you for being a model for us all, directors, teachers, students, the many, many people whom you have touched.   You are the quintessential Jewish educator, an inspiring teacher who leads, whom students and teachers follow.   

Your unflinching support, your mentoring, your hands-on approach, have always encouraged us to be the best that we can be.   I was fortunate to be among the directors for whom you were a personal liaison.  You were always there when I needed your expertise, your criticism, and your shoulder.  And always, I could feel your beautiful, warm smile over the telephone.

In two weeks we will light our Hanukkiot.  We will follow the school of Beit Hillel, and light an additional candle each night because we increase in matters of holiness.  Under Betsy’s leadership, Melton has always reached toward higher goals.

Thank you, Betsy, for guiding us in this direction.  As you continue with the next exciting phase of your life, we wish you hatzlacha, all the best.
Don’t forget us.  We will always remember you.

As you continue now with the next exciting phase of your life, we wish you hatzlacha, all the best.  Don’t forget us.  We will always remember you.

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