Women of Distinction

Jewish organizations in the community are asked to nominate a woman who exemplifies the mission of their organization through her leadership and commitment. Awarded annually the ‘Women of Distinction’ Program honors exemplary volunteerism and leadership.

Beth Israel Women of Distinction:

2007 – Delyse Axinn

2008 – Delyse Axinn

2009 – Marsha Marshall

2010 – Ellen Stein Z”L

2011– Cyrille Cobe

2012 – Idalea Rubin

2013 – Sandra Hurwitz

2014 – Nina Malinak

2015 – Rochelle Lafer

2016 – Joanne Sudman

2017 – Sandy Zians

2018 – Barbara Nova

2019 Marlene Spiegal

2020 Robin Kitzmiller

Robin has been a part of the Beth Israel family for over 13 years and is the behind the scenes “go to” person. Whether it is drafting a flyer to advertise a temple event, editing over 1,000 visual t’filah slides for the High Holy Days or running the control computer to stream services, she takes on the task at hand effortlessly.

Robin has served as sisterhood recording secretary; editor of the temple’s newsletter and currently presides as their co-webmaster. Most recently she played a meaningful role as part of Beth Israel’s “tech team” to help bring the congregation together through live streaming Shabbat services via Zoom. Robin’s technical skills, coupled with her willingness to volunteer and offer her assistance in any project large or small, makes Robin a special asset and a true woman of distinction.

Outside of Jewish leadership, she is involved with Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation and was a teacher in special education and vocation education for 35 years. Robin and her husband of 40 years have three children, 10 grandchildren and four great grandsons.