Our congregation is very lucky. We have a member who has made a difference in many lives for 37 years. Barbara Stein and husband Stan joined Temple Beth Sholom in 1969. Barbara immediately became an active participant in many TBS committees. She was first the Hebrew School Sunday Activity Programmer, bringing many Judaic arts and crafts projects to the children. The Sisterhood Board asked her to join Sisterhood and help organize the Religious/ Holiday programs. Her responsibilities in Sisterhood included making sure there are plenty of apples and chocolates for Simchat Torah and Hamantaschen on Purim. Barbara also organized Hebrew School holiday parties as the Sisterhood Representative. As the compassionate person that Barbara is, she joined another new committee- The Mitzvah Committee, which was established by member Sharon Cohen. Barbara attended workshops sponsored by the Jewish Federation to learn how to approach seniors at Arden House, the local convalescent home. There were many dos and don’ts that were taught to make a visit more comfortable for everyone. Barbara took over the chairmanship of the Mitzvah Committee with the assistance of Florence Frohman. The highlight of the Arden House visits includes ethnic treats, desserts made by our congregants, upbeat musical concerts, sing-a-longs, Yiddish Trivial Pursuit, a “Bear Mitzvah” and “I Remember When” memory games. The residents always look forward to Shabbat services and Holiday celebrations with Rabbi Scolnic every month. Memories fade too quickly for the residents of Arden House. But with Barbara’s leadership, the Mitzvah Committee brings joy and Judaism to them. “Keeping Busy” is Barbara’s middle name… Nearly 27 years ago Barbara took over the coordination of the Blood Drive from Elliot Alderman. Working side by side with our neighbors at the Spring Glen Church and the American Red Cross, Barbara plans the snacks and solicits volunteers twice a year. When Barbara makes her calls for requests, she says, “I don’t want your money, just your blood.” A chuckle is heard on the phone line and another donor is scheduled. Becoming a Trustee on the Temple Board many years ago also meant becoming a member of the Endowment Committee. Barbara just didn’t attend meetings- she was involved with the decision making of the Temple finances. In 1989, as a member of the Temple Board, Barbara became involved in a new fundraiser, The Tree of Life. From the inception of the design, to meetings with the sculptress, and being the contact person for the leaf sales, Barbara states that leaves are still available to commemorate any occasion. The Tree of Life is located in the front lobby of the Synagogue. You can contact her for more information. One of Barbara’s highlights in her own life was having a Bat Mitzvah ceremony on Masada with 10 other Temple members in March 2008. She decided to continue her Bat Mitzvah training and had another Bat Mitzvah ceremony at our Bimah in February 2009. For the past 30 years, you can find Barbara and Stan in the Synagogue chapel as Tuesday morning Minyanaires. Travel, camping, snorkeling and hiking are just some of the outdoor activities Barbara shares with Stan and their family. Barbara and Stan are proud parents of three married children and grandparents to six. We are lucky at Temple Beth Sholom.