I started my real journey in this community when I was 14 years old in 1948. I was introduced to AZA which started me on a never-ending leadership learning experience that has supported me in my community volunteer work to this very day. For the past 50 years, beginning with AZA, I have been involved with Beth El Congregation, the Jewish Community Center, Kivel, the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, and the Jewish Community Foundation, and other boards of directors, as well as many chaired committees too numerous to mention here.
My latest and most challenging labor of love is serving as chairman of the task force that is responsible for the research, funding, design and building of the first Jewish Community Campus to serve our community. It has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience for me. I have been blessed with the relationships of many committed people who believer, that together, we can accomplish anything for this community.
The Phoenix Jewish community has given me so much that it is difficult to show my appreciation. It was here that I met Lainy and where we have raised our family. Our three daughters, Kari, Wendy and Erica have enjoyed so much of what our Jewish community has had to offer. Our fondest memories go back to their days at the JCC preschool, early morning swim team practice, JCC summer day camp, as well as their years growing up at Beth El and their participation in USY and Hebrew High.
We are so thankful for the lifelong friends we have made here in this Jewish community of Phoenix. We have shared so much with so many committed people who continue to participate in developing this wonderful place we call home.
