Gil Gordon Congregant(s) of the Year

The Gil Gordon Congregant of the Year Award is presented annually to a member of our congregation who has demonstrated devoted and sustained volunteer service over a significant period—typically three years or more—outside of any paid or official role. This award celebrates individuals whose selfless efforts strengthen the life of our community through consistent, behind-the-scenes dedication.

Nominees must have made meaningful contributions in more than one area or over an extended time. This is not an award for a single event or achievement, nor is it based on financial donations or fundraising success. Rather, it honors the spirit of ongoing service, leadership through action, and a commitment to values that lift up both our congregation and the broader community.

This year, we are proud to honor Clive Usiskin as the recipient of the Gil Gordon Congregant of the Year Award.

Clive’s contributions are rooted in the soil—quite literally. He is a devoted steward of the TJC garden, where he plants and tends vegetables and flowers on an almost daily basis throughout the growing season. His presence is constant, his work quiet but powerful. Under his care, the garden thrives.

What makes Clive’s work truly exemplary is its reach. The produce grown in the garden is donated to local food pantries, connecting TJC’s values to the needs of the broader community. Clive also actively collaborates with other volunteers, offering guidance, camaraderie, and encouragement. His impact is both practical and deeply human.

Clive’s sustained and hands-on service, his humility, and his dedication to both the congregation and the wider world embody the true spirit of this award. We are grateful for his commitment and proud to recognize him as this year’s Gil Gordon Congregant of the Year.