We are pleased to present the volunteer of this month, Janet Simon, who has served as President and Co-President of Sisterhood for the past five years.  In addition, she is a member of the Restore to Zachor committee and she says that it has special meaning to her. Her parents were survivors of the Holocaust and so she feels very connected. Not only is it important to her personally, but imperative for the next generation to take part and to understand.

As a first generation American, growing up was not easy for Janet, as she felt badly for her parents and went out of her way not to hurt them. It was also difficult because her friends' parents were born in the United States and she was different. At times she was fearful and afraid to tell people anything, as that was the feeling in her home due to the horrific experiences that her parents had encountered. Being Jewish was extremely important and she knew from a young age that she would marry a Jewish man and raise their children Jewish.

Janet grew up in Bergenfield and attended the University of Maryland. She currently works for Blue Cross, Blue Shield as an IT project Manager.

Janet and her husband, Bernard, have a daughter Rachel, of whom they are extremely proud. She graduated from Lesley University. Now living in Boston, she is an intern at a literary agency and writing, which is her passion.

Ten years ago, Janet, along with a friend, toured Poland, Prague, Theresienstadt, Auschwitz and Budapest. "It was an eye-opener," she admits, "and impacted greatly in my life."

Janet has coordinated the Book Group for a number of years. Attending the book reviews have provided her with varied perspectives of Jewish life and understanding. Volunteering for Family Promise, she aided in the preparation of dinners and spent time sitting together and talking with the families.

She feels that our Shul is very vibrant and has something to offer everyone. Of course her favorite Shul activity is Sisterhood. She would love to strengthen Sisterhood life by having more members engaged. It is necessary for us to respond to the needs of the congregation and to create a strong and vibrant community of women as partners with our congregation, as well as to strengthen Jewish education, identity and continuity.

Janet believes that her personal responsibility as a Jewish woman includes family, traditions and community.

We are grateful for the motivation that propels Janet to pursue all of her efforts within the walls of Shomrei Torah and proud that she has been chosen as Volunteer of the Month.