My entire life has revolved around Jewish associations, customers, traditions, and friends. Ever since I was a youngster at the age of five in Passaic, NJ, my family, headed by my grandfather Max Madison who emigrated here from Russia in the mid 1880’s, found itself attached to our local Conservative synagogue with a very heavy leaning towards orthodoxy. I recall tagging along with Grandpa to services every Saturday morning and on the High Holidays in the fall, rain or shine. My grandma could always be seen cooking delicious kosher meals, and in the spring, koshering the pots and pans in preparation for a very festive Passover holiday with my extended family.

As a teenager, I belonged to the AZA fraternity sponsored by our local YMHA where I participated in sports activities and parties, all of which served to build a sense of Jewish involvement and identity. My life at 21 developed significantly when I joined the B’nai B’rith sponsored ATID organization for young adults at the (Conservative) Fairlawn Jewish Center in Fairlawn, NJ. There, I became totally immersed in the group's organizational, social, and religious activities, where I learned more about what it means to be Jewish.

As time progressed, I married, had kids, married again, and moved to a few different locations as jobs and circumstances changed. Wherever I found myself, my association and involvement with the local synagogue always became a significant part of my life. And so, when the Life & Legacy opportunity presented itself here at  (Reform) Temple Sinai several years ago, I jumped at the prospect of giving back to my community after my time on earth is over. The decision to participate in the Life & Legacy program has given me a sense of belonging to a community where I not only have been an active and involved member, but I will also be able to contribute to my synagogue’s success long into the future.