“Beth Sholom feels like a warm hug to me. You can feel God and your spirituality in the building.”
When asked the question we’ve asked so many of our generous donors … “Why Legacy?” …Suzanne and Brad Meltzer each expressed an awe-inspiring sentiment of gratitude for all that Temple Beth Sholom means to them and their three sons, Noah, Zach and Ryan.
Brad begins with the simple statement, “Because we can…and we care about Temple Beth Sholom.” “It really makes your heart feel full that when you give, you are giving for future generations,” Suzanne adds.
It’s important to them that their sons know that they have a deep connection with the Temple. This connection to Judaism was strengthened when Brad and Suzanne met at Tulane University, lived in New York for many years and subsequently were married by Rabbi Davis in Miami. They eventually moved here after Noah’s birth and joined the Temple. Their Jewish upbringings were different. Brad was raised in Great Neck, New York, coming from an “ultra-reform” family that was not overly religious; Suzanne grew up in Miami, with a more traditionally observant Jewish background that included multiple temple memberships, memories of Shabbat dinners, strong Jewish values and philanthropy. They are now united in their devotion to Judaism and to the desire to embrace their spiritual connection here at Temple Beth Sholom. Noah Meltzers Bar Mitzvah brothers
Suzanne tells us, “The High Holidays are a time that really centers me, balances me, and soothes my soul. Temple is a warm place. You’re always greeted with a hug and a smile. The work you do here makes you feel good and happy to be involved,” she says.
And that involvement includes the bris of each of their three boys, Noah and Zach’s B’nei Mitzvah, Ryan’s attendance at the Foundation School, Noah’s participation in choir for the High Holy Days which includes singing solos, the Magical Mitzvah Tour to Israel for Suzanne, her mother, Judith, and the boys, Suzanne’s involvement on the Temple Board, their assistance in a variety of fundraisers, and contributing their time and efforts to support the golf tournament committee, the construction committee to rebuild the sanctuary, as well as being co-chairs of the Legacy Committee.
They credit Rabbi Pomerantz for mentoring their children spiritually. Brad tells us that when he hears Noah singing in front of the whole synagogue, “It is just amazing. The fact that they would allow him that honor, something he feels so passionate about…and they gave him a place to express that passion is very special.”
They hope that the Temple continues to thrive and touch lives for generations to come. They want Beth Sholom to always be a place for life cycle events, spiritual growth and learning. “It’s a sense of comfort that when you make a donation here, you know it’s in the right hands,” says Brad. Suzanne and Brad envision a bright future ahead, with Temple Beth Sholom flourishing for many years to come.