Rabbi Berg’s American Jewish Committee Tribute

More than 400 revelers, politicians and Temple members and supporters celebrated Rabbi Peter Berg’s receipt of the American Jewish Committee’s Annual Distinguished Advocate Award on May 23 at Flourish. Three generations of Bergs shared experiences growing up with, and alongside, the rabbi on this his very birthday.

Rabbi Berg’s wife, Karen Kerness, began the program with humor explaining what life is like living with a legendary rabbi, comparing his pulpit voice volume to his snoring, “Our love language is keeping him humble.” Sons, Matan, Lior, and Noah then took their turns roasting and admiring their dad. Berg’s parents, Judy and Bruce, similarly alternated, “When we told you to stand up straight, it really paid off.”

JF&CS chair Jonathan Amsler chatted with Steve Opler and Susan Amsler.

Outgoing AJC president Craig Kaufman spoke of Berg’s 15 years at The Temple working with leaders and politicians “with wisdom beyond his years with projects like expanding the Unity Seder and working on the global fight against antisemitism…leadership that matters.” Approximately $463,000 was raised in Berg’s honor before the evening, and Berg later expressed hope to round that figure up to $500,000.

Get The AJT Newsletter by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up

Video tributes were shown from Sen. Raphael Warnock and Bernie Marcus, who spoke of Berg’s role as his own family’s rabbi “being there with his wise words…those words have impact…he gets awards because he earns them!” Arthur Blank, in another video tribute, called Berg “a real pro with faith and history, able to address the problems we face…Berg is a game changer because of his partnerships.” A surprise live video shown from the Western Wall featured Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and family.

Ilene Engel, Melanie and Alan Nelkin came out to support Berg with Candy and Steve Berman (right)

Berg’s predecessor, Alvin Sugarman, began with a derisive remark that he himself “was not used to public speaking.” He relayed the two Torah traditions: written and living, “So as the North Star moves very little, our living Torah gives us stability.” Audience members wiped tears as Sugarman ended, “I couldn’t love you more if you were my own son.”

Incoming AJC president Belinda Morris recalled that she held her breath when Berg first came 15 years ago to be the “perfect fit. Since then, he has conducted our girls’ b’nai mitzvot, confirmations and weddings.”

The Berg family posed in the event reception, all of whom spoke about him later.

Honoree Berg began by jocularly pondering his dilemma to stay to the very end and not jump ahead of the valet line; and that he would be brief since “he puts people to sleep for a living.” More seriously, he cited the mitzvah of repaying debts and thanked his parents for “providing the foundation to find a path that makes him happy every day.” He apologized for promising Karen that “she would not be in the limelight” when he took the position here. Nothing makes Berg prouder than his sons and confessed “secret donut runs behind mom’s back.” Berg ended with a charge to speak out to do the right thing, “What we can do, we must.”

AJC Regional Director Dov Wilker took the stage with Berg in the center and guest speakers rotating to answer Wilker’s queries. Wilker began with some history on how he met Berg in his hometown synagogue before his move to Atlanta and how their friendship has sustained.

AJC Regional Director Dov Wilker, Rabbi Peter Berg (center) discussed AJC Black Jewish Coalition progress with Lauren Linder (right) // Photo Courtesy of Jacob Ross

The Rev Dr. Tony Sundermeier, senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church, spoke of his building’s proximity to The Temple and how he and Berg have spoken at each other’s pulpits and traveled to Cuba together.

Lisa Schnaubelt, ACCESS co-chair, mentioned that today’s youth need tools on how to respond to things like anti-Israel comments on social media.

Past AJC president Lenny Silverstein, Lana Imerman, and State Sen. Jason Esteves chatted with Steve Labovitz (right).

Lauren Linder, AJC’s Black Jewish Coalition leader, shared that she went to Pace Academy, where she went to her share of b’nai mitvot. Now, in a biracial and interfaith marriage, she leverages friendship to help move things forward like impacting legislation.

Matan Berg, Leaders for Tomorrow alum, shared that there were only 20 Jewish kids in his public-school graduating class, and why, indeed, he was fortunate to have his father as a role model.

The Temple clergy then led a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” to Berg, and all were given a note card to send personal birthday wishes.

Earlier in the reception, current JF&CS chair Jonathan Amsler spoke of his friendship with the rabbi. “What Berg does, comes from the heart with no pretense.”

Ilene Engel, also past AJC president, stated that, “Berg is inspiring and lifts up Temple congregants to be the best we can be.”

Outgoing AJC president Kaufman said, “Berg is so smart, but he doesn’t wear that on his sleeve. His vision is what makes him so amazing.”

Georgia Sen. Jason Estevez shared the positive experience he had with Berg while active on the Atlanta Public School board.

Not to be understated, Wilker wished Berg, “May you live to 120.”