Many members of our congregation know Andy Simon because well, Andy has been around, like forever. He was the kid that was digging in the mud when storms turned the construction site for our future synagogue into the best mud pies ever. He was also the kid who played softball on the site of what would become our current sanctuary. He remembers when the shed was our shul and that his father would come with a chain to pull cars out of the lot when they were stuck in the mud after services. He remembers services being held around town in various locations before that and attending Hebrew school at the Schuyler-Colfax Middle School before our building was in existence.

His parents, Barbara & Len Simon, were among the original members of Shomrei Torah and along with his brother and sister, Andy was born and raised in Wayne. And even before there was a Shomrei Torah, his family was here. His grandparents and their siblings had opened the West Diner (currently Six Brothers Diner) and began a long career in restaurants andc atering. His father, Len, was also a member of the first graduating class of Wayne Valley High School. He and Andy even had the same guidance counselor!

The synagogue and its members all had a momentous impact on his life. David Schlossberg, son of Elaine & Sy Schlossberg, and fellow Hebrew School alumni, introduced Andy to his future wife Nancy on a blind double date. They were married on March 7, 1998 by Rabbi Mark. Andy and Nancy lived in West Orange for two years before returning to Wayne to begin raising a family: Jack (15), Matthew (13) & Megan(11). His parents, and sister Cindy Simon & brother-in-law, Mark Frankel, along with cousins Robyn & Scott, all belong to Shomrei, keeping the family close and connected.

Andy attended Rutgers University graduating with dual degrees in Computer Science & Hebraic Studies. He has been a Trustee for the Northern NJ Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs since 2012. In addition he has held many different positions at Shomrei Torah:

As Andy states “His goal is to help keep Shomrei Torah up and running any way he can contribute.”

But there are a few things that people might not know about Andy such as:

• Andy, Nancy & kids are huge Disney fans and have gone to Disney World over a dozen times.
• He received the USCJ Young Leadership Award in 2009.
• He was the Men’s Club Man of the Year in 2010
• He was a stay-at-home dad from when their youngest child Megan was born until she was in 3rd grade, affording him the opportunity to do what he loves best….VOLUNTEER!