On Sunday, June 14, WESTY (Worcester Emanuel Sinai Temple Youth), the joint senior youth group of Temple Emanuel and Temple Sinai in Worcester, held its Board installation ceremony in the sanctuary of Temple Sinai.

About fifty people attended as graduating seniors Jenna Linz, Abby Shuster, Ari Summit, and Julia Zinn led a beautiful daily afternoon service.

Temple Emanuel’s Vice President for Program Laurie Porter spoke about the group and its recent development, crediting Steve Meltzer, of blessed memory, and the student leaders themselves for this extraordinary and rapid success. Beth Meltzer, Steve’s widow, thanked everyone for all of their support and generosity. She spoke about her plans to release a CD of Steve’s recordings of his original music at the Union for Reform Judaism’s Biennial Convention in Toronto in November.

Newly ordained Temple Sinai Cantor Kim Singer and Beth led those assembled in the singing of Steve’s unreleased song, “Make It a Bridge,” the title song for the CD. Outgoing WESTY President Jenna Linz also spoke about Steve, the group’s year, and its progress. Temple Sinai’s Rabbi Seth Bernstein thanked the outgoing WESTY Board and officially installed the new Board. WESTYite Max Greenberg was recently elected Secretary of NFTY (National Federation of Temple Youth) Northeast, and will serve on the WESTY Board by virtue of that office. The new WESTY Board consists of Mollie Kravitz, President; Sam Shuster, Programming Vice-President; Zoe Summit, Religion and Culture Vice-President; Zoe Richman, Social Action Vice-President; Alyssa Kotin, Membership Vice-President; Sarah Becker, Treasurer; Samantha Greenberg, Secretary; Daniel Wert, NFTY Northeast Representative; Allison Hubbard, 12th Grade Representative; Gabrielle Jette, 11th Grade Representative; Josh Kapiloff, 10th Grade Representative; and Josh Hubbard, 9th Grade Representative. New WESTY President Mollie Kravitz spoke about her plans and priorities for strengthening and growing the group.

After the installation, participants gathered for a delicious vegetarian and dairy potluck dinner.