Recorded September 3, 2025 Courtesy Photo: Roberta Berner, with her husband, Rich Abel
Roberta has accomplished so much, one would think she lived three lives rather than lived in three places: the deep South, Midwest, and for 27+ years, here in the Upper Valley. She didn’t mention, but I will, that she was awarded a Shem Tov award this year from the NH Jewish Federation. Roberta is a Board Trustee and the immediate past President of the Upper Valley Jewish Community (UVJC) where she leads the Caring and Chesed (loving kindness) Committee and reportedly makes the best Saturday morning coffee. Her remarks on Israel and being Jewish at this moment are touching, difficult, and central to what so many of us are experiencing.
For my part, I’m taking a pause here after Episode 6 to reflect on where OJT can go from here, line up a new season of guests, and enjoy the glorious Vermont fall. Happy New Year, Shanah Tova u’Metuka – an even better year and a sweeter year – to you all.
Episode 6 Notes:
- DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution): According to an AI Overview on Google, “The DAR has evolved to be open to all races, religions, and ethnic backgrounds.” Roberta’s reference reflects what was a truism for us growing in mid-century – that Jews need not apply.
- Shir Shalom, Woodstock VT A Reform Congregation The Parents Circle Families Forum (PCFF) Israeli Palestinian Bereaved Families for Peace. “Those who have paid in blood cry out: WE MUST end this war. …there is no other way. Stop the killing. Stop the cycle of revenge…It is time to choose peace and reconciliation.”
- Dr. Meron Medzini, Professor Emeritus at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, gave classes at Shir Shalom;his son was a tour guide when Roberta visited in 2019.
- “Israel: A Lesson in Democracy” taught by Hanan Miron about Israeli “judicial reform” in 2024.
- Military leaders on the conflict in Gaza, mid-2025. See also Episode 5.
- It’s Time, seealso reference in Episode 3.
- UVJC Healing Circles, discussed in Episode 4:Gene Kadish.
