Eve Berry is the 2017 Song of Miriam Honoree from Havurah Shalom. Her many contributions to our congregation stem from her lifelong focus on childhood education and learning. In her civilian life, Eve is an elementary teacher for ESL students. She has generously shared her time, talent and expertise with us at Havurah.

Eve and her family became members of Havurah Shalom in 1993. Her oldest daughter was in the first grade, and Eve jumped right into Havurah’s parent-led Shabbat School. She enthusiastically embraced her role as a parent teacher throughout both her daughter’s years in Shabbat School. After her daughters became B'not Mitzvah and continued on to high school, she served on the Havurah High Committee for six years.

Eve’s contributions did not stop after her children graduated and moved on. She served as Vice President of Education on the Havurah Shalom Steering Committee (our board) for four years. Eve was instrumental in the creation of several policies for our Shabbat School, including a “Grandparent” Policy, a Shabbat School Safety Policy, and a Building Use Policy. She was generous with her time, faithfully attending meetings, and always returning to meetings with any promised homework (such as writing many policy drafts!).

In her role on the Steering Committee, Eve also participated in our “Short Term-Long Range Planning Task Force,” called the Gesher Committee. She was proud to contribute to the creation of a new administrative strategy for the congregation as we faced growing pains, and proud of the committee’s success.

Her friend Karen says that she and her family have shared seders with Eve’s family for many years. Over the years, Eve instigated many fun ideas for telling the Passover tale – some years in a Dr. Suess manner, some years in plays, and some years with Passover songs to the tune of Broadway musicals.

Eve’s passion for children and teaching, along with her work ethic and big heart, have benefited all she touches. We at Havurah Shalom are lucky to count Eve Berry as one of our own, and are proud to have her share this honor on our behalf.

-Shelley Sobel