One of the definitions of a hero is "a central figure in an important event."  This sums up Jeff Ort - a hero.  Under his supervision, along with Diane Seltzer and a staff of volunteers, he managed to make 650 meals in 4 hours for VOAD when there were many needy people who needed to avail themselves of the food that was prepared.  In spite of this outstanding feat, when speaking with Jeff, he quickly defers credit to others.

Jeff and Roberta joined Shomrei Torah in time for their oldest son, Jason, to begin Hebrew School. They have been married for 23 years and proudly boast of their sons, Jason, now 20, Justin, 17, and Jonathan, 13, who recently celebrated his Bar Mitzvah.

Jeff attended City Tech for Hotel and Restaurant Management.  He has had vast experience in the food business, which he often is called upon to use in helping out at the Shul, specifically with Java Nagila, which he feels is a great time for people to come into the Shul for a bite and to shmooze.

As a busboy in the Borscht Belt, where he worked all of his summers growing up, his talent was noted and he worked his way into the kitchen.  Following graduation, he was employed by Trust Forte Airline Services.  He became an executive chef for a kosher caterer, a French Bistro Restaurant and spent one year doing movie and TV catering on the sets of THE SOPRANOS, THIRD WATCH and LAW AND ORDER.  After 30 years in this field, he recently changed his direction and is now employed by a quality control and assurance firm for frozen food manufacturing in Moonachie.

While work seems to take a place of importance, Jeff is a sports enthusiast who takes time out for bowling (3 perfect games to his credit), skiing, golfing and cooking, (now that he doesn't have to do that professionally). However his favorite times are spent with Roberta, watching and rooting for their sons who play soccer, lacrosse, bowling, fencing and the marching band.

Jeff and Roberta have made many good friends at Shomrei Torah and he hopes that it will remain a vital part of our community.  He loves the feel of the Shul in the Jewish community.

In Pirke Avot, Hillel said, "Do not separate yourself from the community. Be your own person yet get involved with life around you."  Surely, Jeff personifies this.

We are happy and grateful to count Jeff as a member of Shomrei Torah and congratulate him on being Volunteer of the Month.