February 19, 2003

Rabbi Henry Cohen Award Committee 

The Rabbi Henry Cohen Award Committee is seeking nominations for the 24th Annual Rabbi Henry Cohen Humanitarian Award from the Galveston community.   

The committee Chairman is Neil Nathan and members are Armin Cantini, Lise Darst, Reverend John Donovan, Ellen Goldhirsch, Buddy Herz, Rabbi Jimmy Kessler, Sheila Lidstone and Dr. Mike Warren.    

The selection committee is comprised of Dr. Brent Masel, Chair and members Fred Raschke and The Honorable Roy Quintanilla.

The award includes recognition of the recipients’ activities, a plaque and a $200 honorarium.  The deadline for nominations is 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2003. 

The award will be presented in a ceremony at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2003 in the Harris Gallery at the Rosenberg Library.

Any person or organization may nominate a deserving individual by sending a letter to Temple B’Nai Israel at 3008 Avenue O, Galveston, Texas 77550.  The letter should provide the name, address, telephone number and reasons for the nomination.  The letter should relate specific deeds that depict the nominee's deep concern for others.  In keeping with the way Dr. Cohen led his life, the award is given without regard to race, gender, creed or national origin.

In considering nominees for the award, nominators are encouraged to remember persons whose acts of kindness are known by only a few people as well as persons whose activities are widely recognized.  Any individual, regardless of their station in life, whose concern and action has led to the betterment of life for others should be considered for nomination.

Just being nominated is deserved recognition for the nominee.  All nominees are introduced and acknowledged at the awards ceremony.  Nomination letters and newspaper articles from previous years may be viewed at the Galveston and Texas History Center, third floor of the Rosenberg Library.  Contact persons are Casey Green or Shelly Kelly.

The award is given to perpetuate the memory of Dr. Henry Cohen, a noted humanitarian who served as Rabbi of Galveston’s Temple B’Nai Israel for 64 years from 1888 until 1952.  The award is presented to a contemporary person whose actions and efforts embody the spirit of humanitarianism.  In reflecting upon the good works of Dr. Cohen and the contemporary award recipient, it is hoped others will be inspired to follow their example. 

Past Recipients are: Dr. Lee Emory and Ellie Childs, co recipients in 2002; Dr. Grace Jameson 2001; June Pinckney Ross, 2000; Dr. Charles Powell, Jr.,1999; Bette Cowan, 1998; Janice K. Smith, 1997; Bishop Robert Lewis and Ray Pinard, 1996; Oscar Ekelund, 1995; Ted Hanley, 1994; Liz Payer; 1993; Agnes Connolly, 1992; Mr. and Mrs. Al Sanders, 1991; Peggy Coates, 1990; Alfreda Houston, 1989; B. J. Herz, 1988; Herb Polinard, 1987; Joan Mader, 1986; Jack Miller, 1985; Paul Muehlke, 1984; Bernard Demoratsky, 1983; Father Charles Anastassiou, 1982; John W. Harris, 1981; Mrs. G. William Rider, 1980.

For more information about the life of Dr. Henry Cohen there are three books available in the Rosenberg Library.  The titles are “The Man Who Stayed in Texas”, “Henry Cohen - Messenger of the Lord” and “Henry Cohen – A Frontier Rabbi”.

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