Allyson Guertin Tribute
Good evening. I am thrilled to be here tonight on behalf of the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire to honor Dorothy and David.
Allyson Guertin, left, with Pat Kalik, Co-Chair of the New Hampshire Jewish Film Festival
Dorothy and David have devoted countless hours to enriching the Jewish community in New Hampshire. Their commitment extends beyond Bethlehem Hebrew Congregation to the broader Jewish community across the state.
My first introduction to Bethlehem Hebrew Congregation was actually through Dorothy. In 2017 when I was working as the PJ Library coordinator for the Jewish Federation, I received a phone call from Dorothy looking for more information on PJ Library and how we can bring programming to families in the White Mountains. Dorothy is dedicated to building Jewish life for all ages in the area. During each of my visits Dorothy was always a smiling face introducing herself to each new family with her little notebook in hand ready to collect the contact information of each family in order to keep them connected to other opportunities happening at BHC.
Although it is David who sits as a board member of the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire, Dorothy’s support of the Federation is always evident with that big smile and words of encouragement. I can always find her face in the crowd at our Annual Meetings and has even driven to Bedford with David in December winters to help make phone calls during Super Sunday our yearly phone a thon to support our Annual Campaign.
Dorothy may have been my first introduction to BHC but thanks to David’s six plus years as a board member for JFNH he has helped our full board better understand the needs of the North Country’s Jewish community and make sure we were aware of the engaged Jewish life and amazing programs there is to find here.
David, your service to New Hampshire’s Jewish community has been inspiring. Your leadership on the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire's Board of Directors has had a profound impact on our mission and vision. On a board with very strong opinions, you can always be counted on as a voice of reason. David often sits quietly taking in the discussion but when he speaks you know it will always be with a calm voice with thoughtful input to the conversation. This personality trait has been vital in some of our most sensitive work - sitting on our Holocaust Remembrance Committee has been a testament to your commitment to preserving the memory of those who perished and educating future generations. You have chaired our social services work, ensuring our community’s needs are met with compassion and efficiency and your involvement with the Temple Meyer David Cemetery as a representative of JFNH speaks to your deep respect for our traditions and our heritage. Maintaining this sacred space honors not just those who have come before us but also the enduring values that unite us as a community.
Dorothy and David, your shared vision and tireless work have created a legacy that will be felt for generations. Together, you both embody the very spirit of leadership, dedication, and community service that we strive to emulate.
As we celebrate your accomplishments tonight, let us remember that the true measure of your impact lies not just in the positions you have held or the committees you have served on, but in the lives, you have touched and the community you have strengthened. Your contributions have helped shape a more vibrant, connected, and resilient Jewish community not just in Bethlehem but throughout New Hampshire.
David and Dorothy, thank you for your unwavering commitment, your generous spirit, and your inspiring leadership. It is through the dedication of individuals like you that our community continues to thrive and grow. We are deeply grateful for all that you have done and continue to do.
Mazel Tov!
Allyson Guertin is the Director of the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire