2026 Gala Honoring Gail Robinson and Martin Kessel - Thanks from Gail, Martin and Martin’s Israeli Family

A short message from the younger generations of the Kessel family

By Dalit Kessel on behalf of Eran, Allon and Jonathan and all the grandchildren and great- granddaughters  

We have always looked up in admiration at the young couple as they structured their next chapter in life not only with such style and good taste but also in giving the time to serving the community in dedication and passion. Through the many visits over the years Gail and Martin have helped us to blend into the Bethlehem scene, to feel a natural part of the place and the community.

Except for enjoying one of the music concerts courtesy of Martin Kessel productions LIMITED we did it all - skiing, hiking, biking, Polly's, movies, shows, Walmart, Littleton, Ammonoosuc river of course, the bridge down the road, the unbelievable foliage, the Mountain peaks that we never remember their names, and at the top of the list - the renovated synagogue that is the glue of the community,  So you see, in addition to their life long contributions they are also the best ever ambassadors of BHC.

Even without being present at this wonderful evening, we feel totally part of it, and totally part of the wider Bethlehem community. We are so proud of you both , we love you very much and are joining the round of applause to all that you have done! 

If we may add one more thought…. Beyond everything you have done for Bethlehem, your greatest legacy is the example you have set for your family. As parents, grandparents, and now great-grandparents, you have established a standard for all of us to aspire to: embrace who you are, treat others with kindness, strive for excellence, and leave the world better than you found it.

The incredible contributions you have made to the Bethlehem Hebrew Congregation are the very definition of selfless service. They embody Tikkun Olam—repairing the world—not through grand gestures alone, but through decades of quiet dedication, generosity, leadership, and love.

What an extraordinary inspiration you both are. Thank you for showing us what a life of purpose, community, and legacy truly looks like. We can only hope to carry that legacy forward for generations to come.

From Gail and Martin

Gail:

We would like to begin our remarks by pointing out that tonight, according to the Jewish Calendar, we celebrate the one-day minor festival of Tu b’Av (the 15th day of the month of Av). The festival has very interesting historical connotations and in modern day Israel Tu b’Av is known as the festival of love celebrated by dancing in the grape laden vineyards and is a favorite day chosen to be married.

In that spirit we are very pleased to celebrate this happy occasion together with you all.

Martin and I are truly overwhelmed by this wonderful tribute from BHC, and we would like to thank the many people who made this evening possible.

First and foremost, our heartfelt thanks go to Nancy, Lucy, and the hardworking Gala Committee. You have created a wonderful new BHC tradition that is now in its third year and has become the social highlight of our summer season.

From the moment you walk into our beautifully transformed Social Hall on Gala night, you feel transported to another world. Creating an evening like this takes extraordinary planning, creativity, and dedication. Thank you for your attention to every detail and for everything you have done—and will continue to do—to make this event such a success.

Martin and I are just one link in the unbroken chain of BHC members who have each contributed, and continue to contribute, in their own unique way. We are honored to be recognized among so many who have helped make this congregation the warm and vibrant community it is today.

Martin:

A special thank you to Nancy and Lucy for your kind and generous introductions this evening.

BHC has been an integral part of our lives in Bethlehem since about 2008, and we hope it will remain so for many years to come. As you’ve heard tonight, we’ve both had the privilege of serving BHC in many different capacities. Our message to our younger congregants is simple: take the baton and run with it. Your energy, ideas, and commitment will ensure that our vibrant congregation continues to thrive and provide both spiritual guidance and meaningful cultural programming for the Jewish community of Bethlehem and the North Country.

We would also like to thank our families for the love and support they have always given us.

To our son Jonathan, his wife Mickie, and our grandchildren in Washington, DC.

To Dalit and Yossi, Eran and Orna and Allon, and our grandchildren and great grandchildren in Shoham, Mevaseret Jerusalem, and Rehovot, Israel.

To Gail’s brother Gary and his wife Joan, who have joined us from New London  - we are so happy you could be here. We also send our love to our niece Anastasia and Natasha and their brother Alex, and his family, who were unable to join us this evening.

And to our cousins, Dorothea and Andrea Mautner, who have come from Boston to celebrate with us—thank you for being here.

Gail

Finally, to everyone in this room: thank you for sharing this very special simcha with us. Your friendship, your support, and your commitment to BHC mean more to us than words can express.

We are deeply honored by this recognition and look forward to many more years of being part of the BHC family.