Interview with Susan
Q: Where did you grow up? Tell us about your family.
Susie: I grew up on Miami Beach, actually. I'm one of six children. My father was from the Ukraine (he's 84 years old), my mother is American. Growing up, I went to Beach High.
Q: We are very fortunate that you decided to join our congregation. What drew you to Emanu-El?
Susie: I've been a member for 7 years. I became a member after my girls graduated from the Gordon Day School. After that, we decided to join a closer congregation. Of all the local shuls, we found Emanu-El to be the most 'haimish {ed: comfortable and homey}, friendly, and right size place.
Q: What's your favorite activity or aspect at the congregation?
Susie: I love learning, especially with George and Rabbi Geller; the way they teach is inspiring. They've enabled me to embrace everything that's beautiful about being Jewish. Their openness and approach opens me up and makes me feel more inclined to join in. They are approachable and make me feel like I am a part of something. It represents what is genuinely “Jewish.”
Q: Do you have a favorite Temple Emanu-El moment or memory?
Susie: The best part of the service is when I hear George sing. I let all the stress of the week go away. And when I leave at the end of the service, the feeling doesn't leave me.
Q: Do you have a favorite piece of Judaica (Jewish ritual object)?
Susie: I have the most beautiful menorah. It's Venetian glass and a beautiful shape.
Q: Which Jewish holiday do you find most meaningful?
Susie: Yom Kippur -- it's about forgiveness and letting go; about embracing everything godly in you.
Q: Do you have a favorite tzedakah project -- through volunteering, contributions, or other support?
Susie: One organization that we support helps address the needs of families with drug-abuse problems.
Q: What is an area of Jewish learning you'd like to explore more?
Susie: I would like to really study Talmud. I think it's fascinating. I'd like to study it in a way where it's presented in a way that we can relate to it – a modern approach... how it's pertinent to our lives today.
Q: Do you have a Jewish figure or role-model whom you admire (contemporary or past)?
Susie: Yitzhak Rabin. I think he was a fascinating man – a forward thinker, ahead of his time.
Q: Where do you like to spend your free time?
Susie: I walk and exercise outside a lot. I also spend free time with my 3 daughters.
Q: Any special talents or interesting trivia?
Susie: I love to cook – it's my hobby and my passion. I love the culinary arts. Food is celebrating life. It's a passion for me. It's joyous. It brings people together and is an opportunity to take care of others and show love.
Q: What's something that most people don't know about you?
Susie: I was an executive in a business where I built it up rapidly. I was in a “man's” world – literally. I've also traveled a great deal – including over summers during school.
Q: Your favorite food or beverage?
Susie: My favorite food is pasta – I love pasta I like fish and vegetables too. I haven't eaten meat in over 30 years. My favorite beverage is water, I drink a lot of water! My favorite fruit is orange.
Q: And lastly, what idea or wish do you have for the congregation/community?
Susie: My wish is that we grow this congregation and are successful in doing it. By recognizing how fortunate we are to have our spiritual leadership at Temple Emanu-El and the wonderful cultural events that they've been scheduling. I love the Temple. My wish is to enhance our membership and to update the facilities – including a renovated ballroom for additional events.
Thank you, Susie!