B’nai Mitzvah Testimonials | Double Chai Celebration for Reverend David Aminia

Reverend Aminia was the beacon of my faith growing up. He has a calm and warmth about him that you cannot put into words, but you can feel when you hear his name or are lucky enough to be around him. There were a few rabbis, rotating teachers, and a few cantors, but there was always one Reverend Aminia. Every passover, rosh hashanah, and ever so often the minyans I join - I look forward to seeing his smile and getting a hug from such an incredible man that was there for so many of my milestones. He means more than he knows to so many.

B’nai Mitzvah Testimonials

Reverend Aminia was an incredible mentor as I prepared for my Bar Mitzvah, and Aliyah readings on both Yom Kippur and Purim. His patience, wisdom, and deep understanding of tradition made every session meaningful and inspiring. Beyond teaching me the necessary prayers and readings, he helped me connect personally with that Torah portion’s significance and life lessons, instilling in me a lasting connection to my religion. I’m truly grateful for his guidance and the genuine care he showed throughout my time at Temple Beth El. Thank you,

Glenn Baevsky

It was an honor being a student of Reverend Aminia.I always enjoyed his classes, and he was the most kind and caring teacher.

Mica Baevsky

Thank you for starting my Torah reading journey! I didn't know it would lead to a career in Jewish education, passing the very skills you taught me forward, but I'm so glad it did!

Gillian Barker

Rev Aminia has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My family grew up at the shul and he tutored me for my bat mitzvah. Even though we live in Charlotte now, we stream TBE frequently so my son can know Rev Aminia. Listening to his davening is restorative, calming, and brings me closer to my Judaism. I pray for his wellness and health often! Rosh Hashanah morning must include his davening!

Rebecca Engell

Thank you for your dedication to TBE over the last 36 years! I am grateful for all that I learned from you, including my Torah portion and Haftorah for my bat-mitzvah! I always looked forward to our weekly lessons and when you were a substitute teacher at Heritage. Our community is so lucky to have you!It was

Andie Firestone

Mazel Tov on 36 years! My Jewish Education wouldn't be the same without you - from Bat Mitzvah prep to Torah Readings to being a sub at Heritage, your knowledge and dedication have left a lasting impact. I'm so grateful for all you've taught me and our community.

Rachel Firestone

We thank Rev. Aminia for his time and dedication in preparing each of us for our Bar Mitzvahs over the years. Your steady guidance and unwavering patience was greatly appreciated.

Paul, Sam and Stephen Goldsmith

David Aminia taught me and my sister for our Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, helping us gain proficiency in Torah and Haftorah trop. He is a kind, patient, and expert teacher whose lessons I still remember to this day. He has always been there for our family--not only for our Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, but also during our periods of mourning after we've lost loved ones, and for minyanim when our family has needed to say kaddish. He's dedicated his career to serving others and to serving our community. I can't think of someone more deserving of this honor. Mazal tov, David!

Daniel Goodman and Ilisa Goodman

Reverend Aminia was the beacon of my faith growing up. He has a calm and warmth about him that you cannot put into words, but you can feel when you hear his name or are lucky enough to be around him. There were a few rabbis, rotating teachers, and a few cantors, but there was always one Reverend Aminia. Every Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and ever so often the minyans I join - I look forward to seeing his smile and getting a hug from such an incredible man that was there for so many of my milestones. He means more than he knows to so many.

Remy Greenhut

Rebecca Kasper

Thank you so much for all you do everyday! You helped me get ready for my bar mitzvah (32 years ago) and I appreciate that you were so patient and calm.

Josh Linson

Thank you, Reverend Aminia for making my Bat Mitzvah such a meaningful and unforgettable experience. I'll always remember how supported I felt, and how special it was to have you by my side as I chanted Torah that day.

Jessica Mason

Rev. Aminia helped countless students thrive on the bimah at their b'nai mitzvah through his patient teaching, support through the intricacies of trope, and physically being a pillar as each student read their Torah /Haftarah portions- within arm's reach to guide you over any speed bumps. As each student finished their chanting, he would always share such a genuine proud smile which let you know you rocked it. 24 years later and I still remember every word thanks to you! Mazal Tov.

Lindsay McGrath (Kazin)

David, you have been such an integral part of TBE and the Springfield Jewish community, Mazal Tov on 36 years! I feel such a comfort when walking into services and seeing you there, I can't imagine TBE without you! Your warmth, welcoming presence, kindness, and guidance have enriched the lives of so many. Thank you for everything!
Victoria Nascembeni

Reverend Aminia: I still remember how kind and patient you were in helping me prepare for my bat mitzvah. You brought such a thoughtful and calming presence to the whole experience, and it truly made the day feel meaningful and special—not just for me, but for everyone who shared it with us.

Thank you again for being such an important part of that milestone. I’m still so grateful. All the best,

Alyssa Peck

I recall the kind help you offered with my Bar Mitzvah; you were quite patient and made the day very special. Congratulations on your thirty-six years at Temple Beth El! Thank you very much!

Joshua Peck

I want to say thank you for Reverend Aminia help me learn my Haftarah and Torah portion of my bar mitzvah in 2013. He made such a daunting task so easy, you can't ask for a better teacher than that!

Nathan Pen

You were such a meaningful part of not just my Bat Mitzvah journey, but my entire time at Temple Beth El. You taught me so much more that I needed to know in our (very efficient) sessions. Saturday morning services in North Carolina are just not the same without you. Thank you for everything.

Ilana Rapaport

36 amazing years. What an impact you've had on our community and congregation. I still vividly remember listening to your haftara recordings and making sure I mimicked your pronunciation to an exact tee. Thank you for everything and best of luck on your well deserved retirement.

Kayla Schreibstein

Thank you for being such an integral part of my Jewish upbringing and education. From joyous times (haftarah tutoring & on the bimah at Bat Mitzvah) to difficult times (funeral & shiva services), you have always been a constant presence there to support my family. With gratitude,

Dana Shaker

Congratulations to you on 36 years! Wow, what a milestone! You have always been such a dedicated, patient, and thoughtful educator. None of us would have had our Bar Mitzvah’s without you! Not only are you a great teacher and mentor, but you have always been remarkably kind and caring. Our family owes you a great deal of gratitude and I’m thrilled that you are being honored for all you have done for the Temple Beth El community over the years! Very well deserved!
Andrew Wernick

Congratulations on your double chai anniversary! While so much has changed at Temple Beth El throughout my life, you have been the one constant. I am so grateful for the love, support, and guidance that you have provided me and my family over the years. You mean so much to us. Thank you! -

Dan Wernick

David is foundational to the identity of Temple Beth El. His remarkable consistency and presence is a comfort and a reminder of why Beth El feels like home. Even more remarkable is the consistency of his character: always kind, patient, calm, and caring. As my Bar Mitzvah teacher, David made the potentially intimidating process feel approachable and engaging. Sometimes the audio recordings from David reading my Haftarah still pop up on my phone. When they do, I smile, because I am reminded of his warmth, helpfulness, and care as I navigated a foundational period of my Jewish life.

Seth Wernick