Award to be presentd at 2012 USY International Convention in Boston
USY is pleased to announce that Rabbi Charles E. Savenor, Director of Kehilla (Congregational) Enrichment for the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ), has been named the recipient of the 2012 USY Alumni Award.
In this role, Rabbi Savenor has overseen the development of Sulam for Emerging Leaders and Sulam for Current Leaders, as well as the reimagining of Sulam for Presidents, USCJ’s premier leadership seminar. “Rabbi Savenor has become one of the leading experts on strengthening and transforming synagogues,” said USCJ CEO Rabbi Steven Wernick. “With his sharp intellect, warmth, and humor, he relates to people of all ages in deeply spiritual and meaningful ways. He is a classmate, a great colleague and an even better friend.”
“I am delighted and honored that Rabbi Savenor is accepting the award. His contributions to the Jewish community and in particular his significant role in developing the next generation of leaders in the Conservative movement make him a role model for us all,” added Dr. Cindi Hasit, chair of the USCJ Teen Learning Committee.
Prior to his present position, Rabbi Savenor was the Executive Director of USCJ’s Metropolitan New York (METNY) District. For the past two summers, Rabbi Savenor has led USCJ’s Family Israel Experience. Rabbi Savenor’s involvement with USY is extensive. He served as USY International President in 1987 and was the New England Region USY (NERUSY) president for two terms from 1985-1987. When he served as a rabbi at Anshe Emet in Chicago, their USY chapter won International Chapter of the Year in 1999.
An award winning speaker, Rabbi Savenor has written articles that have appeared in Hadassah Magazine,The Jewish Week, The Boston Jewish Advocate, The Chicago Jewish News, and CJ
Magazine.” In addition, Rabbi Savenor blogs on parenting at www.familyinorbit.com and www.kveller.com and serves as a volunteer fund raiser for Lone Soldiers in the Israeli Defense Forces.
Rabbi Savenor and his wife, Julie, live in New York City with their two sons, Joseph and Benjamin. In addition to rooting for the Boston Red Sox, he enjoys jogging and reading mystery novels.