2014 — Jordan Bittel (z”l)
Congratulations to Jordan Bittel, recipient of the 16th annual Talmud Torah Award, honoring a congregant who has contributed significantly to the Temple by engaging thoughtfully in our adult education programs.
Born in New York City in 1929, Jordan and his parents moved to Miami in 1936. He graduated from Miami Beach High School in 1946 and attended college and law school. Jordan served in the United States Army and married his wife, Judith, in 1953.
Judy and Jordan have three children: Michael, Stephen and Wendy. The family joined Temple Beth Am in 1958, and has remained for over 50 years. Beth Am has played a central role in Bittel family life — Judy taught in the Day School, and 14 members of the family have become a bar or bat mitzvah at Beth Am.
Jordan began studying Torah over 25 years ago. At first it might have been the bagels and coffee that drew Jordan to class, but soon it was the Jewish learning in a communal atmosphere. Today, Jordan studies on Saturday morning in a small, but spirited and dedicated group.
Now retired from a long and distinguished career as a tax attorney, Jordan enjoys his family, seven grandchildren and new great grandchildren. He is proud to receive the Talmud Torah Award that Judy was awarded in 2002.