“Flattered” and “surprised” were Lorraine Cohen’s and M. Michael Weber’s reactions to learning they were the 2003 William and Fannie Kesselman Senior Service Award grand prize winners. They received a cash award and a plaque at the annual awards luncheon on May 16.
Both agree that active seniors can make great contributions to the community. Said Weber: “We’re the ones who have the time and also the need to keep busy. I’m pleased to have received the award because it recognizes my involvement and is not about money.”
Cohen, too, hopes to serve as a role model for other seniors to remain active in the community. “You’re never too old,” she said.
Cohen was nominated by the Jewish Home and Care Center. The Wisconsin Society for Jewish Learning nominated Weber.
Volunteerism has always been a part of Weber’s fabric of being. His entire adult life has been dedicated to service to the Jewish and general communities.
Weber, 87, grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania in an Orthodox household. “We studied a lot within our home, but I really became what I’d call a ‘knowledgeable Jew’ after coming to Milwaukee some 30 years ago,” he said. “It was here that I had the opportunity for organized study.”
Devoted to the WSJL, he served as its president from 1978-81 and continues his interest, support and commitment today. He also was one of the founders of Congregation Shalom, and served as its president and as a member of many of its committees.
Additionally, he and his late wife Sylvia taught religious school there for 25 years. “From that experience, we felt an obligation to go out into the general community to try to reduce prejudice against Jews,” he said.
He became a charter member of the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue Committee of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, now known as the Catholic-Jewish Conference. He also was a founding and charter member of the Milwaukee Association for Interfaith Relations.
“Just a few months ago, I spoke to an interfaith group in southern Wisconsin with Christians and Muslims,” he said. “I learned that the group only meets annually so I suggested it should meet monthly to be more effective. They took my suggestion, which I feel is the secret to success.”
In addition, he has served on the board of the American Jewish Committee and as a member of the Shorewood Public Schools Education Committee.
Further, he is known for his artistic and creative talents. He paints, designs stained glass, sculpts and enjoys singing.
Modesty and grace
Throughout her adult life, Cohen has played piano with passion for the music, for sharing “Yiddishkeit” and for her audiences of all ages. She also organizes and promotes programs and spreads her commitment to Jewish music throughout the community.
She was the original coordinator of the “Summer Evenings of Jewish Music” series and has made herself available for concerts large and small. She taught music at Hillel Academy and has accompanied numerous cantors and synagogue and school choirs.
She has been a volunteer at the JHCC for more than 20 years, where she also has provided musical programs for the residents for 35 years.
In nominating Cohen, Deb Comella of the JHCC, said, “Not only is she an extraordinary volunteer, her service to the older adults in our community is unmatched. Everything she does is marked with modesty and grace.”
On receiving the award, Cohen said, “The greatest award of all is the reward of giving of yourself to others.”
The luncheon, held at Congregation Beth Israel, was sponsored by the Jewish Community Foundation, the endowment development program of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, through an endowment established by the Kesselmans. They conceived the award in 1977 to develop a positive image of senior citizens and to recognize their contributions to the community.
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