To be selected as Shomrei Torah’s Volunteer of the Month is an honor bestowed on a member who has gone “above and beyond”, is dedicated, loyal, dependable, and self-less.

This month we recognize Steve Gastwirth who fits all of these criteria. You can count on him to be a very active part of our Purim events, Co-President of the Men’s Club, chairing the Wayne Day committee, and serving on our Security Committee. Steve’s daughter, Shara is currently our Membership and Programming Vice President so in a way, Shomrei Torah dedication has become a “family” business. They have made an effort to welcome our members whether they are young families or our older, long term members. One of Shomrei Torah’s goals is to create and retain a welcoming environ-ment where all ages feel comfortable and are part of a warm welcoming community. Steve helps to create that positive environment with all that he does for Shomrei Torah.

Steve grew up in the Borscht Belt town of Monticello where he was always surrounded by a sense of “Jewishness”. He attended an Orthodox Schul where he was very involved as a youngster.

Steve met his wife Rhita at Rider College where he majored in Business Education and Marketing. In 1972, a year before he and Rhita married, he entered the world of sales, especially in the food service industry. He worked for Kraft, Gold Food Products, and eventually retiring form Allen Pickle Works as Director of Sales.

When they moved to Wayne, it was a natural progression for Rhita and Steve to join Shomrei Torah in 1980, where his daughter Shara was named. Family values are para-mount to Steve. He enjoys every minute he spends with Shara, Greg, his son-in-law, and their son Jared as well as his son, David who lives in New York City.

When Steve is not involved with Shomrei Torah you may find him smiling while driving or tinkering with his pet, a blue MG. An additional hobby is photography for which he has won an honorable mention.

Steve takes his role as a member of the Board of Trustees very seriously. He views both past and present administrations as forward thinking with a common goal of making Shomrei Torah a welcoming “home” for all, young and old, and of all interests, especial-ly during the pandemic. He looks forward to the future when hopefully we can return to indoor services and activities when we can hug each other and return to a sense of normalcy. Mazel Tov, Steve.