Interview with Hector Priven
Q: Where did you grow up? And/or tell us about your family.
Hector: I grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina. My mother, Raquel, still lives in Buenos Aires. My oldest brother, Gabriel, lives in Sao Paulo, Brazil with his wife and son. His daughter is now living in Israel and joined the Israel Defense Forces. My other brother, Ari, lives in New York City with his wife and 3 children.
Q: How long have you lived in Miami?
Hector: I moved to Miami 4 years ago with my wife Adriana, our son Zequi and our daughter Lara.
Q: We are very fortunate that you decided to join our congregation – both as a member of the TESOBE staff and as a member of our community with your family. What drew you to Emanu-El?
Hector: In Buenos Aires I used to play piano and sing during Shabbat and High Holidays Services in different synagogues. In 2005, I was offered to come to Temple Emanu-El to be the Music Director.
Q: What's your favorite activity or aspect at the congregation?
Hector: I love services at Temple Emanu-El and enjoy a lot of playing and singing together with Cantor George Mordecai.
Q: Do you have a favorite Temple Emanu-El moment or memory?
Hector: I will always remember the first Shabbat Service we lead with Rabbi Kliel Rose and Cantor Mordecai. I also have an unforgettable memory of all the High Holidays Services.
Q: What do you consider a special or well-used piece of Judaica (Jewish materials/objects) you have at home?
Hector: When my son Zequi was born my brother Ari gave us a Kiddush Cup as a present honoring his birth. Since then we use this Kiddush Cup every Friday night.
Q: Which Jewish holiday do you find most meaningful?
Hector: High Holy Days is always an important moment in my life. My first memories at a synagogue are when I was attending services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as a child in Bet-El, the synagogue where I grew up in Buenos Aires. Also, I find the Unetaneh Tokef (which is recited during Musaf on R.H and Y.K.) as a moving and intense prayer.
Q: Do you have a favorite tzedakah project - through volunteering, contributions, or other support?
Hector: In times like these I think that providing food to those in need should be a major tzedakah project
Q: What is an area of Jewish learning you'd like to explore more?
Hector: Being 100% fluent in Hebrew, speaking and reading; and to learn more about the history of the State of Israel.
Q: Where do you like to spend your free time?
Hector: I try to spend my free time with my kids, I love playing with them. But the reality is that we as adults forget what free time is.
Q: Any special talents or interesting trivia?
Hector: Of course I try to play the piano as much as I can. Believe it or not, I enjoy playing piano alone very much. I used to paint, and it’s something I would like to start doing again. I also like to read about the economy, but in these times this drives me a little bit crazy.
Q: Your favorite food or beverage?
Hector: My favorite beverage is carrot and apple juice. I enjoy preparing my own juice and drinking what’s left after my kids drink my juice. What I don’t like too much is cleaning all the mess. One of my favorite foods is artichokes with lemon and oil.
Q: And lastly, what idea or wish do you have for the congregation/community?
Hector: My hope is for our community to grow. To be a place where you meet other people, that they become friends for all your life, where you can find your partner.
Thank you, Hector!