For our last session of the Wexner Heritage Program, we were challenged to create an 'ot' (a sign / symbol) that could be presented to each member of our cohort as a marker or remembrance of our last two years. The genesis of this idea stems from the tradition of a Siyuum, a celebration that takes place upon the conclusion of something important like the conclusion of the writing a Sefer Torah. The Siyuum celebration includes the completion of the last eight verses of the Torah (left unfinished by the scribe) by the kahal, the community. So members of the Columbus 11 class concluded our two years of studying together by offering our own verses to each other.
For me, this so-called ending (Siyuum) was more about our next beginning and the appreciation of the journey. My 'ot' was developed as a celebration of our journey. To take a look, click on the "Start Prezi" below and keep clicking on the arrow at the bottom of the screen to start the show and advance the "slides":
Ray Silverstein is a member of the Columbus 11 Wexner Heritage Class that will graduate this summer in Israel. Ray serves on the boards of the Columbus Jewish Federation, Jewish Family Services, and the Columbus Jewish Foundation. He also serves on the New Albany Planning Commission and the International Council of Shopping Center’s CenterBuild & CDP Governing Boards. He and his wife, Beth, have three children. Professionally, Ray joined Limited Brands in 2001 and is currently responsible for cross-brand design & construction initiatives, domestic and international store project delivery support, store fixture / construction material procurement and sourcing, office facilities, energy management, and store maintenance for the entire fleet. His team supports Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Pink, Henri Bendel, and La Senza. Ray can be reached at rsilverstein@gmail.com.
