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April 8, 2005/Adar II 28 5765, Volume 57, No. 32
Koppell resigns, will go overseas
LEISAH NAMM
Managing Editor
Rabbi Bonnie Koppell, spiritual leader of Temple Beth Sholom in Chandler for 18 years, has resigned.
As a U.S. Army reserve chaplain, she leaves April 10 to conduct Passover seders for troops deployed overseas. She expects to be there about a month.
"I love being a rabbi," Koppell said. "I have loved being the rabbi of Temple Beth Sholom."
Koppell has served as rabbi of the Conservative synagogue since 1987. Her resignation is effective April 15.
She gave the congregation "18 years of amazing service," said Jeremy Marwil, synagogue executive vice president. "It was a mutual parting of the ways."
Koppell has been a U.S. Army Reserve chaplain since 1978 and was promoted to the rank of colonel last year, making her the first female rabbi in the U.S. Army Reserves on active duty to hold that rank.
Her military assignments have included Heidelberg, Germany; San Antonio, Texas; and Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista. Among many other awards, Koppell has received two National Defense Service Medals - for Operation Desert Storm and Operation Noble Eagle.
Koppell and her husband, David Rubenstein, have two daughters.
"She's an inspiration to everyone who has ever met her," Marwil said. "We wish her the very best."
Contact Koppell at rabbibjk@aol.com.
Contact the writer here
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