Sukkot

Shortly after our children Alex and Melissa began attending Solomon Schechter Academy over 30 years ago, I started volunteering at school, helping organize many of their successful annual raffles and various extracurricular activities. After a long break from SSA, and after many years as a member of another local congregation, my family and I returned to SZBE and became members in 2017. 

We felt so welcomed and seen by the congregants, some of whom we already knew and others who quickly became our friends, and especially by Max Fried, whose genuine warmth made me feel like I truly belonged with the congregation that he loves so much. And when I think back on the passing of my dad Benno (Z’’L) , I find it difficult to imagine grieving without the support I received from everyone.

After almost 2 years of regularly attending service, I was invited to the board where I started getting involved, suggesting new ideas for the betterment of the shul and the well being of our members at large. With time, I began taking on more responsibilities; as parnas, member of the executive committee, and, after October 7th, as head of the security team. 

SZBE feels like a second home to me, and I am looking forward to many more years of helping foster this incredible community that will keep inspiring members, both older and younger, and will be a source of pride that will inspire new members to join and continue our dear and timeless traditions.

I would like to thank the nominating committee for the Kavod that was given to me, and I would also like to thank every member reading this for helping form this community that I am so proud to be a part of. To many more Smachot, and most importantly to our schmoozing on Shabbat mornings.

Melanie and I have been married for almost 20 years and have 3 children, Brian, Sophie and Jason. All our children attended Solomon Schechter Academy and are now at Herzliah High School. Melanie celebrated her Bat Mitzvah at SZBE which is when her family’s association with the Shul began. When our children were born, we celebrated each of their Bris or Baby Naming at the Shul. Brian and Sophie have already been called to the Torah as Bar and Bat Mitzvah and Jason will be celebrating his in early 2026. We joined the Shul as members when Brian was born as it was important for us to be part of the community from that point on in our lives.

I served on our Rabbi search committees and I currently chair the Investment Committee of the Shul that overseas the management of our endowment fund. I was also active in the committee relating to negotiations between SSA and SZBE when it came time for the building purchase. We attend Shul on the High Holidays and a few other times during the year we come to some of the special events like the Band is Back or a Shabbat Service. Both Melanie and I try to be active members of the communities we are involved with whether at SZBE, SSA, Herzliah or at Federation CJA where I currently serve on the Board of Directors.

Our shul is a very special and welcoming place and it holds a special place in my heart for all the wonderful simchas our family has celebrated here over the years. I am honoured to have been chosen as one this years honourees. 

My wife Ilona and I are the proud parents of two successful sons. We enjoy life with them, their wonderful wives and our three terrific grandchildren.

I am honoured to be Chatan Maftir this year. It represents a continuation of my special relationship, first with Beth-El and now Shaare Zion Beth-El. Belonging to the shul has been a real pleasure for me. I served as president of Beth-El, and I chaired the search committee that successfully engaged Rabbi Cahana. For many years, I led the opening part of services on the High Holidays and was a volunteer cantor on Shabbat services after the retirement of Cantor Hyman Gisser.

I also served on the board of United Talmud Torah and chaired its Fee Committee for several years. I was also a member of the JPPS board.

I was very fortunate to be appointed to the board of directors of Centennial Academy and later as its chairman of the board. Whether dealing with parents, leading the search to engage a new Head of School, or delivering the chair’s annual address at graduation exercises, these were exciting experiences for me.

I thoroughly enjoy being a member of the SZBE family. I so enjoy leading morning services and the occasional Shabbat morning. The SZBE family, led by our clergy, should be very proud of itself. Most importantly, I wish to thank SZBE members who cared so much for me during my recent illness. In appreciation of the people at the hospital, I am now a volunteer with Hope and Cope.