WHC Member Peter Winik Honored by URJ

During the April 2022 meeting of URJ North American Board (NAB), WHC member Peter Winik was recognized for his now-completed service as a NAB trustee and for all his contributions to the Reform Movement.

Here is a brief excerpt of what Rabbi Rick Jacobs said to new alumni at the board meeting:

What you have been a part of has helped us to not only be a better URJ, more responsive to the moment we are in, but in shaping a Judaism and a Jewish life that will matter for our children and our grandchildren to be. You have been involved in the work of transforming and reimagining Jewish life. Don’t go away — find new ways to be involved, find new ways to express your leadership, find new ways to use those new leadership muscles that you have, because there are so many places in Jewish life that need you — this Reform Movement still needs you. So, we send you with our blessing, with our appreciation, and with our confidence that there are many more chapters in your Jewish learning and leading. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

The written tribute, shared with NAB board members, is below.

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, URJ President
Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman, URJ Board Chair

Peter credits the 2009 Biennial in Toronto for his involvement with the URJ prior to his Board service. There, Peter introduced himself to former board chair Peter Weidhorn after learning they were both pilots. That connection led to Peter being asked in early 2011 to serve on the URJ Presidential Search Committee when Rabbi Rick Jacobs was chosen as President of the URJ. He says, “My role as one of three Congregational Presidents asked to serve on the Presidential Search Committee was a high-water mark for my overall URJ service.” Peter joined the NAB in 2013.

Peter cites his service on the Rabbinic Placement Commission as the most meaningful part of his Board service during his nine years on the Board. “The placement process is critical both for rabbis and congregations, and it can be a difficult and challenging process for so many reasons. And clergy and congregations do share some different perspectives/have differing interests. So, it is important that our congregations’ voices be well-represented on the Commission. Through my service on the Commission, I came to know a number of interesting and wonderful people, both lay and clergy.” Peter also served on multiple special nominating committees during his tenure on the Board as well as the Task Force on Governance.

Peter is a past president and devoted, active member of Washington Hebrew Congregation in Washington, DC.

Peter shares, “I wish everyone well and nothing but great success to our Reform Movement. I very much appreciate having had the opportunity to serve.”