Q&A with Alan Brick-Turin
Q: Where did you grow up?
Alan: I’m the oldest of three: one brother and one sister. We grew up in Queens, New York in a little house very close to the New York/Nassau County Line. On hot summer days we would cycle down the block to breath the fresh air of the suburbs.
Q: How long have you lived in Miami?
Alan: My wife Carol and I have been involved with Temple Emanu-El just about from the moment we arrived in Miami Beach back in September 2005.
Q: We are very fortunate that you decided to join our congregation. What drew you to Emanu-El?
Alan: We started searching for a synagogue almost immediately as the High Holidays were coming. The search lasted one service and we were hooked. Emanu-El is very familiar. We were affiliated with a synagogue for many years in Virginia, where we lived for most of the previous 30 years. The service, the melodies, and the general sense at Temple Emanu-El were very comfortable. The rabbi and cantor were both welcoming and we particularly enjoy the diversity of music at the Shabbat services.
Q: What's your favorite activity or aspect at the congregation?
Alan: I’ve always considered myself primarily a service participant. I enjoy Friday evening and Saturday services, the High Holidays, Purim, and just about any other service. I pride myself as a skilled and able hagbah [ed: person who lifts and shows the torah], a skill I developed in Virginia. Although I can’t sing, and my children will attest to that truth, I enjoy the music at the services. I’ve also been attending the Rabbi’s class in Jewish history. I hope to see more of such opportunities.
Q: Do you have a favorite Temple Emanu-El moment or memory?
Alan: The melody for the closing prayer that Cantor Mordecai chants at the Rosh Hashanah service continues to move me. That and the flute that plays throughout the High Holiday services.
Q: Which Jewish holiday do you find most meaningful?
Alan: Passover has always been the most meaningful for me. For many years, our seders were major productions. I’ve researched for weeks to prepare a seder that would be educational and enjoyable. We had seders that focused on the plagues, the key personalities, music, and also had reenactments. Our seders became well known and everyone enjoyed them even as they ran late into the night.
Q: Do you have a favorite tzedakah project -- through volunteering, contributions, or other support?
Alan: In Virginia, the family would help out at the local food bank. I’ve always had a concern for the homeless. It’s something for which I need to make the time.
Q: What is an area of Jewish learning you'd like to explore more?
Alan: I’m particularly enjoying the Rabbi’s class in Jewish history. I’d also like to learn to lead a Shabbat service; my poor singing voice is one impediment I probably can’t overcome regardless of the level of training I receive. [ed: learn to lead, regardless!]
Q: Do you have a Jewish figure or role-model whom you admire (contemporary or past)?
Alan: I admire the early Israeli pioneers. Collectively, and through hard work, they created the country Jews have sought for centuries.
Q: Where do you like to spend your free time?
Alan: I’m typically running, reading, or on the beach. Sometimes I’ll combine two of the three, but I’ve not tried doing them all at once.
Q: Any special talents or interesting trivia?
Alan: I’m a not very good handyman. In Virginia, I was constantly maintaining a large house in the woods. Something always needs fixing.
Q: What's something that most people don't know about you?
Alan: While I’m an engineer by day, I’m a historian in my off hours. I completed a master’s in history about 12 years ago and hope to find my way to the front of a history class someday.
Q: Your favorite food or beverage?
Alan: I’m a big beer fan. My wife Carol and I spent a few years in Belgian where the variety is incredible. I enjoy trying new brands and old familiar ones too. Of course, at this stage in life too many new or old brands means running a lot more miles.
Q: And lastly, what idea or wish do you have for the congregation/community?
Alan: I hope that Conservative Judaism will thrive on Miami Beach. We have so much potential at Temple Emanu-El and I only wish that members and those unaffiliated will come to realize it.
Thank you, Alan!