Humans of TE: One Story at a Time – #TEGivesThanks #ComeHometoTE

This November, Temple Emanuel gives THANKS to YOU, our community. Join us each day as we highlight a fascinating member of our community.

Marcie Abramson

“When I was a student at Boston University,  I met my friend, colleague, and mentor, Dr. Carole Greenes.  She saw a potential in me that I  did not see in myself at the time.  Her passion for math, teaching, shopping, and being curious about the world, guided me and I try to pay it forward. This was a defining moment in my life.

On Rosh Hashanah 2000, my brother and sister-in-law saw a very tall guy stand up at their service and the rest is history. All Jeff wanted to know about me was if I knew who the coach of the Boston Celtics was. (It was Rick Pitino.) When Jeff and I got engaged, my mom sprinted up to Temple Emanuel to book the date, something she had waited a long time to do. We signed our ketubah in the Gann Chapel, a special place for us as my dad put the carpet down in that space.

I taught mathematics to middle schoolers for over thirty years and currently I’m an adjunct professor at Brandeis University. In 2018, I was inducted into the MA Mathematics Teachers Hall of Fame. (did you know there is such a place?!) I have written a couple of math books for children and have spoken at numerous national math conferences across the country, trying to spread my love for the magic of math to all.

Temple Emanuel has been the scene of many of the happiest moments of my life along with some of the saddest. My parents instilled in me the importance of Judaism and the temple and it continues on to this day. I became a Bat Mitzvah at the “old” TE and was married in the “new” TE. Shabbat Alive and the daily morning minyan fill my life with joy, love, and comfort.

I am lucky to have many wonderful and loving nieces and nephews who make me proud to be their Auntie Marcie;  a title I cherish. Jeff says that I always try to see the best in people and do everything I can to keep friends and our families together. I know my parents would be so proud of me to have received this special TE honor.”