The rabbi thanks his assistant Dereen Lynn Murray for her 12 years of dedicated service to the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Dereen has gone above and beyond in her role, caring for the community and helping those in need. As a friend and support to the rabbi, her wise counsel has been invaluable. While she will be missed, her decision to move with her family to South Florida is supported. Former Rabbi Gaffney also expresses appreciation for Dereen's tact, sensitivity and caring nature in serving the community. Wishes are expressed for Dereen and her family's health and happiness in their new home.

1. Rabbi’s Message
Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner
The rich texture of life at the Jacksonville Jewish Center is
due in no small measure to the efforts of its staff. With
considerable devotion, they give of themselves above and
beyond the call of duty. Often they have chosen to forego
the opportunity to pursue more remunerative careers
because of their love of this synagogue, its people, or the
values it strives to embody. Daily, I am humbled by and
grateful for their commitment. To describe them only as
employees and nothing else would be akin to defining an
artistic masterpiece as no more than a compendium of
shades and pigments – technically accurate, yet woefully
inadequate.
In recognition of this truth, it is incumbent upon me to thank
an individual who has labored lovingly on our behalf for
nearly a dozen years. As many of you know, in a few short
weeks my assistant, Dereen Lynn Murray, will leave us for
a new life with her family in South Florida. I write these
words knowing full well that Dereen does not particularly
care for the spotlight, and is generally embarrassed by
public praise. Yet I believe she will forgive me – if only
because she knows in honoring her, I also pay homage to
all the members of the Jacksonville Jewish Center’s staff,
the co-workers she deeply respects and cares about.
From her days as Rabbi Gaffney’s assistant, Dereen’s
caring menschlichkeit has made a palpable difference in
Center life. More than an assistant, she is a one-woman
Mitzvah Committee, an advocate for those in need, a friend
to the lonely or ill. Dereen truly cares about people, always
taking the time to get to know them and their families, as
well as the ups and downs of their lives. Performing acts
of gemilut hasadim, loving-kindness, was never a part of
the job description she received a dozen years ago;
fortunately for us, it has been an integral part of who she
is and what she has nurtured in our community for the past
eleven years.
On a personal note, Dereen has been a supportive friend
and a person whose wise counsel has been invaluable to
me on countless occasions. I will miss her greatly, but
know that her decision serves the best interest of her
family. In the coming weeks, I encourage you to stop by
the office or call Dereen to wish her well. After all, we’re
not just saying goodbye to a synagogue employee, but
bidding farewell to a member of the family.
May Dereen, Martin, Julian and Lindsay be blessed with
health and happiness in their new community for many
years to come.
B’shalom, Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner
The Center of Your Life for Over 100 Years
This morning service, September 1st includes an honor to
Dereen Murray, Rabbi Lubliner's Executive Assistant, to bid
her farewell and to express our appreciation for her twelve
years of service to our community, and extend this special word
from Rabbi Emeritus, David Gaffney, New York:
Dear Dereen,
Saying goodbye is hard. It is for me. It is for everyone at the
Center …and I am sure, it is for you. Although we have not
“worked” together for some six years, you have continued to be, as
always, a “Rock of Gibraltar”, informing me about the well-being
of our beloved “Center family” and alerting me to situations when
words of comfort, or condolence, was warranted.
Your life has intersected with the lived of so many over the years,
newborns to seniors; intertwined with the joys and sorrows of
thousands. You were always sensitive and thoughtful to the human
needs of everyone. You are a rare spiritual person, “g’milat
chesed” – acts of loving-kindness come to you naturally. You were
often there – not only to assist clergy – you became clergy –
holding hands, being attentive to everyone, and involving yourself,
always with sincerity, in the lives of all.
There was always efficiency, organization and productivity where
work habits were involved. But beyond – you always exercised
initiative. You were a “problem solver”. The rabbinic phrase
“mey-vin davar mi’toch davar” – which means the exercise of
discernment – an understanding of the implications of things could
be applied to you.
You were my “right hand” as I am sure you were to Rabbis
Grundfast, Lubliner and Weiner. For myself – a person with a
penchant for chaos – you provided order. For a person easily
distracted – you provided focus. The many skills you brought to
bear on an always-hectic setting were exemplary. Your tactfulness
on the phone; your ability to make sure that everyone was treated
with dignity and respect was one of a kind.
Warm and sensitive, you are a person that radiates cheer, sweetness
and pleasantness. It was wonderful coming into the office and
finding you there. You created a wonderful atmosphere we all
appreciated. Your attentive concern was a blessing …the word
“mensch” could not be more appropriately applied.
I will miss you …the Center will miss you …but I hope we stay in
touch. Continue to enjoy life with Martin, Lindsay and Julian – and
thank you for everything. Every blessing of health and happiness
to all of you and wishes for a “Shanah Tovah”.
With deep affection,
Rabbi David Gaffney
September 1, 2007
Dedicated Service