The honor of being named Volunteer of the Month is given to a member who exemplifies what it means to give of oneself.  In Maxine's own words, she has done "whatever was needed." She has worn many hats since her family joined in 1977 after the birth of Sharon, her second daughter. Maxine enjoys going to services on Friday nights, Saturday mornings and holidays. Besides being a "Shabbat Regular" she has led services.

Maxine grew up in Paterson where she and her parents belonged to an orthodox shul, Eastside Jewish Center. In those days, her rabbi was her uncle, Rabbi Charles Tannenbaum. She graduated from Eastside High School and Fairleigh Dickinson University. She and Barry have been married for 39 years.

Education has always been important to her family. Her father was a lawyer, as are her daughters. Alyse is married to a veterinarian and they have two daughters, Charlotte and Jasmine; Sharon is Deputy Director of the New York Housing Authority and is engaged to a lawyer. Barry was a high school teacher in Newark for 38 years and Maxine was a substitute teacher in the Wayne school system. Both are now retired.

Her Sisterhood involvement has included being a trustee on the board, Torah Fund Chairman, Purim Box assembly and delivery, contact person for sponsoring an oneg or kiddish and helping in the kitchen with Bertha. (Those of you who were members long ago will lovingly remember Bertha and Sam Gershon.) Maxine also was a trustee on the Temple board. She made weekly visits to Chilton Hospital to visit members, assisted at the Blood Drive, made phone calls, helped man our booth at Wayne Day, ushered during the High Holidays...

Maxine enjoys Judaism and values Jewish learning. This was evident by her many years on the Education Committee for Shomrei Torah's Hebrew School and Hebrew High School, as well as helping with the Model Seder. Furthering her own knowledge of Judaism, she has attended classes given by Rabbi Mark.

When not busy at Shomrei Torah, Maxine is busy with the Jewish War Veterans where she has been a member for 15 years. Currently she serves as co-president; next year she will be president. She enjoys reading, going to the gym to stay healthy and being a grandparent. (Two active little girls can provide as much of a workout as one gets at the gym.)

To sum up Maxine's regard for her volunteering at Shomrei Torah, "I see a need and I help." She is following the example set by her mother and grandmother.