The Rise Bressler Chesed Fund was established by Barry Bressler, Rise's husband, and their two daughters, Allison and Michelle, after Rise's death in 1997.

Rise was the Children's Librarian at the Glenside Public Library from 1991 to 1996, when her battle with cancer made it impossible for her to continue to work.  She had previously been a volunteer associate curator at the Buten Museum of Wedgwood in Merion for ten years, and for three of those years also took courses and served as an apprentice at the Barnes Foundation.  She had been Recording Secretary for the English Ceramics Study Group of Philadelphia, a member of the Wedgwood International Seminar and lectured extensively about English ceramics at seminars, meetings, and for the "Art Goes to School" program.  From 1971 to 1977, she taught third grade at J.W. Howe Elementary School in Philadelphia.

Rise was a native of Philadelphia who attended Olney High School and earned her B.S. in elementary education from Temple University and a Master's in Library Science from Villanova University.  She served as chairwoman of book fairs not only at Temple Sinai, but also at Fort Washington Elementary School and for the Friends of the Free Library of Philadelphia.

During her treatment for non-Hodgkins lymphoma, which included prolonged hospitalizations, Rise became involved in art therapy to help other patients.  She often commented on the acts of loving kindness (chesed) performed for her by her friends and members of the congregation which included everything from transportation to the doctor or hospital, carpooling her daughters, and delivering meals.  Notwithstanding a progressive illness, Rise also tried to do all she could for others in need, even when it could only be giving them an encouraging word.

The Chesed Committee at Temple Sinai works to replicate those acts of loving kindness which were done for Rise by reaching out to those members currently in need.