List of honorees
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Honoree
Irving
Pregozen
Honored by Ner Tamid Synagogue, San Diego, May 31, 2006
Irving Pregozen, honored as "Volunteer of the Year" by Ner
Tamid synagogue of Poway, on April 29, 2006, is deemed a Mensch (note
the capital "M") by all who know him. Irving's dimunitive
stature belies his power and stamina as Ner Tamid's ever-present grounds
and building manager. His soft, gentle voice conceals his
strong tenor in the Ner Tamid Intergenerational Choir. His quiet
manner seems to contradict his pride in sharing with Ner Tamid's religious
school students his exciting stories of serving in Israel's 1948 War
of Liberation and helping to start a kibbutz. His octogenarian status
makes people shake their heads disbelievingly at his energetic stints
as a bingo worker, to raise funds so that future generations can enjoy
the Ner Tamid community that he calls "home." The list of
his acts of giving goes on and on, and Irving continually surprises
those who benefit from his volunteerism.
As the synagogue's president, David Cohen, stated from the bimah
during Shabbat morning services on the 29th, "He
is living proof that age is not an impediment to anything.
He’s clever, he’s multi-talented, he’s persistent and
consistent. He comes with
a smile and does what he says he will do.
He can be counted on time and again in things large and small,
as well as coming to virtually every service, except when he
accompanies his daughter’s family to their shul." His
daughter's family accompanied him this time, enjoying the
praise lavished on Irving during the subsequent luncheon in his honor.
The luncheon was prepared by Ner Tamid's caterer, Carole
Leblang (who also happens to be last year's "Volunteer of the
Year").
Irving's true
surprise about receiving the award speaks volumes about his humility
as well as his reason for helping his community as much as he does:
"This is my family," Irving explained, with a characteristic
twinkle in his eyes
—Susan Lipson, VP of Youth Programs, Ner Tamid Synagogue |
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