Jeffrey Paul
Jewish Community Leader

A) What qualities make the nominee deserving of the Z3 Bridge Builder Award?

Jeffrey Paul of Congregation Albert in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been a leader in the congregation. He has been on the Brotherhood Board for 25 years, and served as President (5 terms), Treasurer, Secretary, and VP of Programs and Membership. He has served on the Congregation Albert Board of Trustees for eight years.

Congregation Albert Brotherhood has a national reputation, under Paul's leadership, in providing local, state, and national candidate debates over the past 25 years. In 2007, Congregation Albert Brotherhood received the coveted Men of Reform Judaism National Milton J Harris Award as the best Brotherhood Community Service program in the country. The honor was received based on the long history of successful, professional debates that are scheduled, planned, and hosted by Mr. Paul. His outstanding relationships within the community media have facilitated many radio and television coverage of events.

Along with the nationally recognized debates, the Brotherhood hosts regular Brunch/Speaker programs for the Temple and greater Albuquerque communities. These events draw from the entire community, and often the state, providing opportunities for Congregation Albert to become a true part of the Albuquerque community. For twenty-five years, Mr. Paul has been the face of Brotherhood and has provided leadership and vision resulting in positive, successful, and visible community awareness of Judaism, inter-faith dialogue, and recognition of the importance and demand for a working relationship with all communities of faith.

B) In what ways has the nominee demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to their work in bridging divides?

Mr. Paul has not only been the longtime leader of the Brotherhood, but he also supports many efforts in the synagogue. He is often seen at Sisterhood programs where he attends as a way of bringing Sisterhood and Brotherhood together. He volunteers in the Sisterhood Judaica Shop and has served on the Cemetary Committee, By-Laws committee, and Social Action Committee. Mr. Paul has been an active member of the congregation group working to assist in providing support to the immigrant population. He worked closely with the organizers putting together a team that welcomed buses of immigrants arriving in the city from El Paso; providing short term housing, meals, medical attention, and travel arrangements to their host cities.

C) How has the nominee's work impacted the Jewish community and beyond?

Mr. Paul's work over 25 years as a lay leader has brought recognition on a national level that paves the way for successful interactions with community leaders, local elected and appointed officials, and the media. The Milton J. Harris Award has had a significant impact on the reputation of Congregation Albert and the Congregation Albert Brotherhood as a community leader in multi-religion dialogue and interaction. Brotherhood Brunch/Speaker events, that have included diverse subjects such as LGBTQ Rights, Israeli agriculture, Jews in sports, local crime initiatives, crimes against Indigenous women, Interfaith Dialogue, and others, are selected based on community interests that are timely and interesting to the diverse culture of the area (Native American, Hispanic, Anglo, African-American)