Steve and Sherri Sosensky joined Temple Beth Sholom in 1998. They were convinced this synagogue was the right choice for them because Susan Squire, Membership Vice President, told them that, “We are a Hamish community.” The ultimate reason why the young family joined the Temple had been because they received many personal invites to visit.

As new members, Sherri and Steve asked themselves the question about how they can get involved.  Within only “a two week time” Steve became the Men’s Club Treasurer! “I was the youngest guy, back then!” Steve jokes.  Friendships developed over Men’s Club meetings that include preparing and stuffing envelopes. “It wouldn’t be a Men’s Club event without a tiny glitch. There is always a snafu during the evening that ends with a lot of laughs,” Steve adds.

Men’s Club breakfasts, New York bus trips, dances, picnics, and sponsoring interesting speakers have highlighted Steve’s experiences at Temple Beth Sholom .Steve is one who is never afraid to roll up his sleeves. He assisted in building the K’Tanim playground and, most recently, made pots of pasta for the Wednesday Pasta Dinner event.

In just 13 short years, Steve has been the Men’s Club Treasurer, as well as a member of the Board of Directors, the Temple Financial Secretary, on the Nominating and Budget Committee and is currently the Men’s Club President.

Sherri found her niche with the “Mommy and Me “class at the K’tanim Nursery School. It was perfect for Sherri and then baby Peri. Soon, an instructor position became available and Sherri approached Director Sheryl Sadinsky about the opportunity. Sherri loves being an instructor and meeting with the parents and the caretakers of the 1-2 year olds.

Sherri also wanted to get involved with Sisterhood. She accepted the position of Recording Secretary, then Membership Vice President, followed by Programming Vice President and Co- President with Andrea Joseph, and she has made a full circle back to Recording Secretary. Sherri also loves participating in the Sisterhood Shabbat, finding the experience very fulfilling.

Another TBS memory Sherri has is winning first prize at a Purim Costume Dance held at the Temple. She and Steve dressed as Kosher Chinese Food- Lo Mein Noodles take- out boxes! Delicious!

A very special event is approaching quickly for Steve, Sherri, Peri and Hannah. Steve and Sherri are having a B’not Mitzvot Ceremony in May. Neither had Bat/Bar Mitzvah Ceremonies when they were younger and feel that in order to truly understand what their daughters will accomplish, they must experience the process first. Steve says that it is a “double chore” for him because he is teaching himself Hebrew using the girl’s workbooks. “Shira (Rosenblatt) is training us- she only hits me with a ruler once in a while!” he says. Sherri adds, “It’s a little easier for me. I have more time to concentrate and study. It will be a beautiful experience. Rabbi Scolnic planned that we would have the same Haftorah that Peri will have next year. Rabbi is amazing.”

The Sosensky’s advice to all Temple members is if you take any small step in any area of Temple Beth Sholom you will meet people and have fun. This is what makes TBS tick- it’s contagious- you will want more.