Meet Jill C., a Temple Emanu-El member for more than 40 years and a dedicated temple volunteer. For many years, Jill served as a docent, leading tour groups from around the world and sharing the story of Temple Emanu-El and the Fifth Avenue Sanctuary. For Jill, serving as a docent was a way to share Temple Emanu-El with the world and give back to a community that means so much to her.
For Jill C., serving as a docent was a way to introduce visitors to the many dimensions of Temple Emanu-El. She made sure to highlight the Tiffany windows, the Hildreth Meière murals and the mesmerizing melodies of the choir. What made her most proud, however, was sharing the temple’s vibrant program calendar and its deep commitment to helping neighbors.
“I was so proud to boast about the Sunday Lunch Program, Mitzvah Day and our Philanthropic Fund,” she said. “I got to share how our congregation is where warmth and majesty meet.”
Jill’s favorite memories of being a docent come from interacting with visitors. She fondly recalls establishing meaningful connections with guests and hearing their stories.
For Jill, serving as a docent was ultimately a way to give back to Temple Emanu-El. “I owe a lot to this temple, and I want to give back a lot,” she said.