For as long as he can remember, Temple Emanu-El has been part of Steven’s life. “I was born into it,” he said on a sunny morning at the temple. It’s a connection he’s cherished for 60 plus years.
Over the course of his decades of membership, Steven has contributed to Temple life in many ways. He has volunteered with the Sunday Lunch program, helping feed New Yorkers in need. He has participated in Gather discussion groups on sports and comedy. He has been a member of the Men’s Club. A few years ago, he started volunteering as a Daily Sunset service reader.
One of the most gratifying parts of his temple experience has been seeing his relationships with his religious school teachers evolve. Over the years, his teachers have gone from figures of authority to peers and friends, working alongside him to add to the vibrancy of the temple.
As Temple Emanu-El prepares for its next 180 years, he hopes the temple will continue to embrace technological change to reach congregants and worshippers wherever they are.
“Participating in temple life has been a great ride,” Steven said. “I’d like to continue to stay on it for as long as I will be on this earth.”
