To be named Volunteer of the Month is quite an honor.  It is given to a person who has gone "well beyond." Someone who demonstrates the true qualities of dedication, loyalty, dependability, and selflessness. Steve Gastwirth exemplifies them all. Whether it be rushing the hot dog order for the Purim Carnival, being an officer of the Men's Club, making 10 pounds of falafel for Israeli Night, Chairing the Wayne Day Committee, or remaining at a committee for however long is needed are just a few examples of how Steve has shown devotion to Shomrei Torah.

Growing up in Monticello, yes, somebody actually lived in Monticello, NY (not just vacationed or went to camp there), he was always surrounded with a feeling of "Jewishness." Steve has wonderful memories of growing up in the "Borscht Belt." He attended an Orthodox Shul and was actively involved in NCSY. It was a natural progression for him to want to join a synagogue when he moved to NJ and started a family. Steve and his wife, Rhita, became members of Shomrei Torah in 1980 when their daughter Shara had her naming.

How did a "country" boy move to NJ? It began about 41 years ago when Steve met Rhita while attending Rider College in Lawrenceville, NJ. Rhita moved Steve to NJ where his new "city" life began. He was graduated from Rider College with a degree in business education and marketing. In 1972, he entered the world of "sales." "Plastics" as suggested to Dustin Hoffman in the "Graduate," was the way to go at that time, and that's just what Steve did. Steve remained in sales; however, he redirected his sales ability to the food service industry. He ultimately worked for companies such as Kraft and Gold Food Products, Inc. which led to his current position as Director of Sales at Allen Pickle Works, Inc. in LI, NY.

Steve's job is very important to him and he also values family very much. He enjoys every moment he spends with his daughter, Shara, and son-in-law, Greg, and his son, David. He is very proud of all of their accomplishments. Although Steve is very involved with family, he doesn't neglect his hobbies and interests. If you see someone driving a blue MG (the little car) with a big smile on his face, that's Steve. In his free time, he enjoys driving and fixing his MG (mostly fixing)! He also is an award-winning photographer. He won honorary mention for a still-life scene of a swan gliding on a pond near Tudor Gardens in Wayne!

If you ask Steve what his mission in life is, he would answer, "I want to help people in need." In keeping with this goal, he participates in VOAD and Family Promise, organizations which help people whose lives have been compromised by unfortunate circumstances. Steve feels honored to be on the Board of Trustees at Shomrei Torah and sees the current and past administrations forward- thinking and organized with a strategic goal. "They truly want to attract and embrace current and future families with programming that meets the needs of young families as well as Seniors and lifetime members. The aim of Shomrei Torah is to create a welcoming atmosphere where members feel part of a close, warm, and caring community."