Rabbi Fred Guttman has served as rabbi of Temple Emanuel since 1995, helping the congregation transition from the Fisher Park building to the new building on Jefferson Road in 2002. He has his Rabbinical Ordination and Doctorate of Divinity from Hebrew Union College. Locally, Rabbi Guttman is known for his interfaith activities and efforts to enhance human relations-- interacting with groups from diverse backgrounds. As examples, he has served on the board of the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) and he co-chaired the 40th anniversary celebration of Greensboro's Sit-In Movement, an important event in the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) is a phrase often used to describe much of Rabbi Guttman's work. In 2009, he was awarded the prestigious NCCJ Brotherhood/Sisterhood Citation Award (reference).
In addition to all of the significant good work he does locally, nationally, and internationally, Rabbi Guttman stays busy, diligently performing his rabbinical duties at Temple Emanuel. He has conducted Bar and Bat Mitzvah services for over a generation of 13 year olds. The above photo of Rabbi Guttman was taken at Temple Emanuel last month. Today is ABC Wednesday and "G" is for "Guttman." To see GDP's previous entries, click here. To see the ABC Wednesday contributions of other bloggers, go here.
Greensboro is lucky to have such a rabbi. I see he did good work in Israel for 12 years too. I wish there were such a congregation and rabbi in my village.
Have you gone to the prayer service there yet?
Posted by: Dina | Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 05:45 AM
nice story. and one of a living person, no less
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
Posted by: Roger Green | Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 09:17 AM
He looks as if he is about to speak--Shalom.
Posted by: Jane Mitchell | Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 09:54 AM
Sounds like he is a good man, as his name implies.
Shalom!
Posted by: Halcyon | Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 11:59 AM
Rabbi Guttman deserves kudos for being so active in the community!
Posted by: EG Wow | Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 01:42 PM
The sort of man who makes a great dinner party guest!
Jane x
Posted by: Jane | Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 01:46 PM
A great man - a global citizen!
Posted by: Leif Hagen | Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 09:23 PM
What a nice way to celebrate "G"!
Posted by: Meryl | Saturday, September 03, 2011 at 11:03 AM