Rabbi Amy B. Ehrlich

AMY B. EHRLICH – Rabbi

Rabbi Amy Ehrlich has been part of Temple Emanu-El’s clergy for nearly 30 years. In celebration of her 26th anniversary, the congregation donated $25,000 to build a school in Chivaquib, Guatemala in her honor. The project was kept secret from Rabbi Ehrlich until it was announced during the Temple’s Mitzvah Day on November 9, 2014.

The donation was given to Pencils of Promise, an international and highly respected organization that not only builds schools but also ensures that every school continues to be fully operational. The Chivaquib II Preschool and Primary School currently has 88 students and is expected to affect a total of 1,780 children over the coming years. The donation covered the costs of three new classrooms, serving a village of just more than 1,000 people.

On Mitzvah Day, when the school project was announced before the congregation, Rabbi Ehrlich was deeply moved, surprised and almost speechless. She said, “This is beyond any hope that one could have. This is beyond words.”

“Rabbi Ehrlich is a treasure to our congregation and the Jewish community,” said Senior Rabbi Joshua Davidson. “Over the years, she has inspired thousands to do the work of tikkun, ‘healing and repair.’ This school in her name demonstrates the impact she has had near and far. It is a gift of our love for her.”

Video: Rabbi Ehrlich’s remarks on the recent passing of “heartbeat bills” in several state legislatures — May 24, 2019.