Caring for Those Who Cared for Us

Came to Orlando for a 2-year vacation in 1966 and has been here ever since! Susan served as acting president and executive director of the Jewish Federation. She founded a chapter of ORT upon her return from her first trip to Israel in 1975. There isn’t a Jewish organization in Orlando that she hasn’t been involved in. She has twice been the chair of the board of Central Florida Hillel. “She is known throughout the entire community as a little powerhouse!” says Joanne Kane. Susan sees herself as a Professional Volunteer and says, “It’s great fun!”

Moved to Orlando 40 years ago from Philadelphia where she was a statistics manager. Ruth was President of Friends of the Jewish Pavilion for three years and has been very active on the Friends of the Jewish Pavilion Board. Over the years, she encouraged her dearest friends to get involved with the Jewish Pavilion both as board members and volunteers. “She is an outstanding leader in the community who is compassionate, bright, devoted, responsible and reliable,” says Nancy Ludin.

hails from Tallahassee. He is a past President of Temple Israel and a long time Protector. He was the past President of the TOP Foundation and was instrumental in its founding along with the JCC. Next year, he will be celebrating 55 years at Morgan Stanley! Louis once received fame for the sign “Louis Feinberg Ate Here” on Ronnie’s Deli Marquee – an honor bestowed to Lyndon Johnson among others!

Hails from Reynoldsville in rural Pennsylvania and has been in Orlando for over 40 years! Marc and his wife Henrietta have been active and giving members at almost every Jewish agency for more than 4 decades. Marc has been involved with Federation, the JCC, Kinneret, TOP and was the board chair of Central Florida Hillel. He also co-conceived with Alan Ginsburg, the new Jeffrey and Diane Ginsburg Center for Jewish student life which is home to Central Florida Hillel. He has worked tireless hours to create a community of family.

Born in Brooklyn and moved to Orlando in 1955! His family knew of Orlando as his grandfather owned an orange grove in Maitland. Harvey and his brother donated a significant portion of that property and we now know it as the Maitland JCC! Harvey took over the family business, Kobrin Builders Supply and expanded it to become the largest supplier of drywall in the southern US. Harvey has 8 children and is in touch daily with his many grandchildren. “There are too many for me to count!” says Barney Chepenik.

Renee Roberts is the energetic bunny. Over her 50 plus years in Orlando, Renee has been a “Career Volunteer”. There have not been many positions she has not served in from the Women’s Division at the Jewish Federation to chairperson of Lunch and Learns, Choices, and numerous campaign events. Renee’s synagogue, Congregation Ohev Shalom has a very special place in her heart, active in sisterhood, along with serving on various Gala committees, she managed to attend all of the adult learning classes. She continues to care for her grandchildren, play tennis, volunteer and even has time to be an avid reader.

Originally from Cleveland Ohio, worked for many years selling law and accounting material as well as computers. He and his wife Pat came to Orlando in 1985 and joined his brothers dry cleaning establishment. Barry has been a Jewish Pavilion volunteer since its inception and visited elders in several senor facilities at least once a month. Barry is extremely compassionate and a great conversationalist. Nancy Ludin says, “The seniors are almost all women and they adore him. He flirts with them and makes them feel extra special.

Roz Weinstein hails from Bridgeport, CT and holds a degree in Bacteriology from Penn State University. She recalls how she enjoyed worked at Pfizer prior to coming to Orlando in 1967. She has served as Comptroller of Temple Israel while working full time with her husband’s CPA firm, Weinstein Enterprises. She is still actively involved at Temple Israel. Roz raised her family and always looked for ways to get more involved.