Robyn Goldstein
Englewood, Colorado
Votes for Robyn Goldstein: 852
Tell us about your nominee. Why should he or she be recognized as a Jewish Community Hero?
Robyn has been raising guide dogs for the blind since she was in third grade. Now a senior at Cherry Creek High School, Robyn is currently raising her 3rd puppy. Nasa, a black lab, can be seen with Robyn most days at school. She is quite shy, but is known by many as the "girl with the dog." Braving the comments of 4,000 high school peers, Robyn goes about her day working with her dogs so that others can "see" the world in a better way. After 15 months of hard training, the day comes when Robyn must give up her puppy so that he can be given to a blind person. How she gives away her loving companion to help others, I will never know. She has a heart of gold!
What problem did your nominee identify in the community that needed to be solved? How has your nominee's efforts made a difference for others?
Doing by setting an example is how Robyn makes a difference for the Jewish community. Robyn and Nasa spent Rosh Hashana at our synagogue. Robyn exemplified her volunteerism for the Jewish community, by being present and DOING which happened to be the topic of Rabbi Gruenwald's sermon: "Heineini, I am here." Doing by example gets others doing more. Robyn's guide dog training has made a difference in the lives of many blind people. When Robyn encounters a blind person with a guide dog, the first comment is always great big "thank you!" They know the commitment involved in raising a dog. They thank Robyn for giving them independence. Robyn is an incredible role model. She makes people want to do more.
