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Gorban Duo to Receive 2008 Simchat Torah Honors at TI.........posted Sep 6, 2008

Bobbi and Larry Gorban, longtime leaders in various synagogue enterprises, have been selected as the 2008 "Kallah Bereshit" and "Hattan Torah," respectively, by Congregation Tikvat Israel's Religious Practices Committee.

Bobbi and Larry will be feted with special aliyot during the Torah service on Simchat Torah on Oct. 22 and at a luncheon in their honor in the TI Social Hall following services. (Reservations for a lunch seat must be made by contacting the synagogue office in advance.)

Literally "the bride and groom of the Torah," the honors are accorded each year to two TI members who have made significant contributions to the synagogue's spiritual, educational and cultural way of life.

Sam Freedenberg, Religious Practices Committee chair, said of this year's honorees, "Whoever said that there is no indispensable man or woman never met Larry and Bobbi Gorban and never saw them in action at Tikvat Israel. They each have a seemingly inexhaustible supply of enthusiasm, energy and creativity for our synagogue and for the larger community that they are also so deeply involved in. Our community is a better place because of their many contributions, and their dedication is an inspiration to everyone who knows them."

Fellow congregants who have worked with Larry and Bobbi called their honors a splendid choice of the committee.

"Larry would be willing to give you the shirt off his back, or the cookies out of his cookie jar," says Roz Kram, who has partnered with Larry on multiple catering events at the synagogue. "Bobbi is always so well-intentioned and artistic and creative and sweet."

Shirley Waxman, a distinguished artist herself, called Bobbi "an extremely creative person, a woman of amazing strength, creativity, warmth and love."

Bobbi Gorban became a member of the congregation when she and Larry were married seven years ago. She's taken leadership posts in Sisterhood ever since, serving as president of both the Sisterhood and now the TI Women's Network. She has worked alongisde Larry on several committees for various fundraising events, such as the Cantor's Concert and the Wine Tasting event earlier this year.

Bobbi also worked with Angie Hersh in the TI Gallery Space gift shop for several years.

"My proudest accomplishment in working as a volunteer was being able to work with some special people in the shule and making special friends with them," she says.

Professionally, Bobbi is an art educator and a creator of fiber and jewelry art.

Larry Gorban has filled various roles at Tikvat Israel, serving multiple terms as a vice president with oversight for facilities-related issues. He still chairs the Kitchen Committee, which has responsibility for food preparations and kashrut observance, and the Facilities Improvement Committee.

Larry continues to chair the Temple Israel Foundation, a charitable arm of the synagogue. The foundation awards grants to various organizations and causes that further social awareness, Jewish education and practice and support of Israel.

A Temple Israel member for nearly 30 years, he served as that congregation's president when the decision was reached in 1996 to sell the Silver Spring synagogue?s property. He helped to oversee the merger with Beth Tikva, forming Tikvat Israel in Rockville.

Professionally, Larry works for National Quality Forum as the group's vice president. It is a non-profit organization that deals with health care quality, measurement and reporting.

Susan Apter, a TI board member and co-chair of Adult Education Committee, says Larry distinguished himself "in a quiet, unassuming way" in fulfilling major leadership roles at Tikvat Israel over the past dozen years. "The Adult Education Committee is especially grateful for his assistance with food preparation for the Israeli Film Festival, Scholar's Weekend and other programs, including opening his and Bobbi's home for a Pesach Dessert Workshop."

Apter said congregants eagerly look forward to any affair where Larry's dessert creations are being served.

She called Bobbi "an inspiration to many as she has invigorated the shul gift shop operations by bringing in local artists and Artsites, continued to lead the Women's Network long past her term by introducing monthly Rosh Chodesh, art classes, and book club programs with unflagging support."

The Gorbans have three grown children -- Elana (and her husband Josh), Ben and Jodi.

(Story written by Jay P. Goldman with reporting by Sam Freedenberg)