Celebrating our Members

This article first appeared in our May/June '26 edition of The Bulletin

Mazal Tov to Ilene Sykes

On Friday, April 10, UAlbany Hillel hosted a special evening to celebrate Ilene Sykes for her decades of outstanding leadership, service, and steadfast dedication to the Capital Region Jewish community, and UAlbany Hillel. We’re so proud of our past President for her commitment to serving not only the CBE community but the wider Jewish community!

Mazal Tov to Pillars of the Community Award Recipients

The Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center is hosting a special celebration honoring leaders whose generosity, dedication, and compassion have strengthened our community. Robert Kivort and Jane and Garry Sanders are recipients of the Pillars of the Community Award! The celebration will take place on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the Albany JCC.

Mazal Tov Robert Kivort on receiving the Pillars of the Community Award! Robert has been an active member for nearly 2 decades serving on the Finance Committee since 2015, chairing the Philanthropy Team since 2018, serving on the Board of Trustees since 2017, and acting as temple officer since 2020.

Mazal Tov Jane and Garry Sanders on receiving the Pillars of the Community Award! Jane and Garry Sanders are long time members of Congregation Beth Emeth. Jane has served as President of the Sisterhood and is now the membership chair. Garry has served as past President of Congregation Beth Emeth as well as past President of our Brotherhood.