Dr. Edward Herzig with Andrea Herzig
We joined Rockdale Temple 40 years ago this month. We had recently returned to the US from two years with the Air Force in Taiwan where, as the only Jews on our base, Passover was a gourmet dinner party with fellow officers and their families. We were looking for a congregation where Ed, who grew up at Conservative Adath Israel, and Andi, whose background was Classical Reform, would be comfortable.
We chose Rockdale because its progressive, liberal philosophy appealed to us. Aaron was entering Kindergarten and Joel was a pre-schooler, so a strong Jewish education for them was important to us. We found that at Rockdale. We also found a warm and accepting congregation that had an active communal life. We became involved in the Temple—Sisterhood, Brotherhood, Board memberships, committees, celebrations—and Ed even became Temple President in 1997.
Through these 40 years we have made lasting friendships, participated in meaningful social action and spiritual activites and have found a Jewish home for ourselves, our children and now our grandchildren.
We are Legacy givers because as it is said: We found a fruitful world because our ancestors planted it for us. Likewise, we are planting for the generations to come.
