Awards

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 2023

Bicentennial Medal - 2020

About Dennis Sasso

Dr. Dennis C. Sasso and Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso are the first rabbinical couple in world Jewish history. Since 1977, Dennis has been Senior Rabbi and Sandy is Senior Rabbi Emerita of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, where she served for 36 years. Dennis obtained his B.A. from Brandeis University, M.A. from Temple University, and was ordained at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 1974. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Christian Theological Seminary, where he is affiliate professor of Jewish Studies and is the recipient of various Doctor of Divinity honorary degrees.

In 2014, Sandy became director of the Religion, Spirituality, and the Arts Initiative at IUPUI. She received her B.A. and M.A. from Temple University. Sandy was the first woman ordained from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 1974 and received a Doctor of Ministry from Christian Theological Seminary. A winner of the National Jewish Book Award, she writes articles and nationally acclaimed children’s books. The couple won the Interfaith Ambassador of the Year award from the Center for Interfaith Cooperation and the Sagamore of the Wabash award. In 2022, Dennis and Sandy were designated Indiana Living Legends by the Indiana Historical Society and listed among the top 250 influential leaders in Indiana. They both serve on numerous nonprofit boards. The parents of David (Naomi) and Debora (Brad), they have four grandchildren: Darwin, Ari, Levi, and Raven.