David Roberts, a St. Louis resident who spent 11 years as chairman of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College before stepping down last year, was honored by the school in Wyncote, Pa.,  at its graduation ceremony in June. Roberts, a member of Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community, received the Keter Shem Tov: The Crown of a Good Name award for “distinction in scholarship or community service in the [pursuit] of Reconstructionist ideals,” according to a news release.  Above, Roberts (right) is pictured with Rabbi Deborah Waxman, president of Reconstructing Judaism,  and Seth Rosen, chair of the movement’s Board of Governors.

To honor Roberts, the Reconstructionist movement also commissioned an original melody to accompany a blessing that was recited at the graduation. To hear the musical composition,  visit http://bit.ly/David-Roberts1.  To read the Jewish Light’s 2017 profile story of Roberts, visit http://bit.ly/David-Roberts2.