Interview with Marc
Q: Where did you grow up? Tell us about your family.
Marc: I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. I have no siblings. My father worked most of his career for JC Penney’s, his father worked for Thom McAnn Shoes. My mother’s father came to Buffalo from Ukraine, and served as a navigator in bombers over Italy during WWII.
Q: How long have you lived in Miami?
Marc: Since June 2006.
Q: We are very fortunate that you decided to join our congregation. What drew you to Emanu-El?
Marc: I didn’t know a soul when I moved here 3 years ago. It wasn’t long, though, before I crossed paths with a congregant, Nicolle Forrest. Nicolle, who recently moved to Chicago, knows and is liked by everyone in Miami Beach! I soon found a vibrant young community through the synagogue.
Q: Do you have a favorite Temple Emanu-El moment or memory?
Marc: Sukkot a few years ago – we had an enormous turnout from the young professional community. It was a great reason for us all to get together, and a wonderful way to showcase what makes Emanu-El so great. Recent Federation and AJC Shabbat dinners have also been great for the same reasons.
Q: Which Jewish holiday do you find most meaningful?
Marc: Shabbat – I really enjoy the notion of having a day of separation to reflect on the week, share it with friends and family, and rest. I love sharing Shabbat dinner with my friends. Shabbat became more meaningful for me after Rabbi Rose suggested the book “The Sabbath” by Abraham Joshua Heschel.
Q: Do you have a favorite tzedakah project -- through volunteering, contributions, or other support?
Marc: I serve on the Network (for the under 40 community) Board in the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Federation serves as the umbrella organization for so many non-profits in the Jewish community – locally, nationally and abroad. It gives me a tremendous source of pride to see how organized our community is. I also enjoy the hands-on work Federation does – most recently we delivered Passover food packages to the elderly in the area. Last summer I went on an Israel Mission in Israel, in part to see where contributions from Miamians are directly making a difference. I’m also excited about getting more involved with Make-A-Wish. I’m being trained to become a Wish Granter.
Q: What is an area of Jewish learning you'd like to explore more?
Marc: I always am interesting in learning to apply Judaism to my everyday life – professional ethics, spirituality, etc.
Q: You're very involved in planning events for young professionals on Miami Beach. Tell us about what you'd like to see happen in the South Beach Jewish community.
Marc: I am really impressed with the level of networking amongst the young professional community in south Florida. There’s no lack of ways to be involved or groups to belong to. I would like to see the disparate groups work more closely together – it’s a great way to be exposed to new circles. Temple Emanu-El is a great venue – it would be wonderful to have more events there for the young professional community to enjoy the building!
Q: Where do you like to spend your free time?
Marc: Reading a book in my apartment, working out in the gym or going for a run, and spending time with good friends.
Q: What's something that most people don't know about you?
Marc: I’ve spent a lot of time in the Middle East, in almost every country in the region.
Q: Your favorite food or beverage?
Marc: Oh that’s a tough one. I really enjoy eating and drinking! But being from Buffalo, I’m going to go with chicken wings and Labatt Blue beer!
Thank you, Marc!