I was born in the Bronx, my family moved to Lido Beach when I was four and to Long Beach when I was eight. I am the oldest of four children. I have a sister and twin brothers. I attended Beth Sholom of Long Beach for Hebrew and Hebrew High School, had a Bat Mitzvah and was active in USY. Since my dad was a Holocaust survivor, I have tried to keep my Jewish identity throughout my life.

 

I am the middle of three generation life members of Hadassah: my mom, myself and my daughter, Melissa. I was made a life member at my Bat Mitzvah. I started fundraising with my mom at Hadassah bazaars in the ‘70s. I moved to North Bellmore in 1990 when I married my husband, Adam. I joined the Merrick Bellmore Dayan Lilah Chapter and immediately became active helping to chair fundraising events. Throughout the years I held many positions: fundraising chair, program chair, recording secretary (when meeting in homes pre-Covid), social and corresponding secretary, raffle chairperson (part of fundraising), and currently social secretary of my chapter. In 2000, I was honored with an award for leadership and in 2001, I received the Woman of the Year award.

 

After high school, I attended Hofstra University where I obtained a BBA in Marketing. From an early age, my career has always been in retail. Throughout the years I have worn many hats: I was a manager for a card store in Lawrence, and a department manager at Burlington Coat Factory. After the birth of my daughter, I was a Front End Supervisor at Burlington (part-time). While working I became involved in my daughter’s activities and organizations. I volunteered in the PTA, Hadassah, Girl Scouts, EMJC and Drama Club. I’m currently at Kohls of Bayshore for 15 years as a lead cashier.

 

My family joined East Meadow Jewish Center in 2003 when my daughter, Melissa, started Hebrew school. I joined the Education Committee once she was in Alef class and remained on this committee until she graduated Hebrew High. I was the class mom and volunteered for class events, holiday boutiques, model Seders, lunch and learn for families. It is only recently that I have become more active in Sisterhood. I attend membership dinners, challah bake programs, lectures, Rosh Chodesh programs and try to attend Shabbat services weekly.

 

Ater the pandemic, I joined the Fundraising Committee and offered my fundraising skills to help raise money for the Sisterhood and shul. I solicit raffles from kosher restaurants, nail and hair salons, craft places and stores. This has had a significant impact on Sisterhood, especially for this year’s Membership Dinner. I helped plan and organize a fashion show in collaboration with Uniquely Yours in Seaford. We had women from 30 to 80 each model 3 outfits with accessories. This event took place on November 8 at Plainview Jewish Center. The shop owner was there along with employees to make sure the night went smoothly, while also selling clothes and accessories at the event. This was one of the most successful dinners that Sisterhood has seen in a long time, with a total of 70 women in attendance.