Interview transcript with Daryl Alterwitz by Barbara Tabach on November 8, 2014. In this interview Daryl Alterwitz, son of Deanne and Oscar Alterwitz, recalls moving to Las Vegas from Gary, Indiana, for his parents' pursuits in the furniture business. He speaks about his schooling at Valley High School, his friendship with Robert Engel, and attending University of California Santa Cruz, and taking a leave of absence to travel through Asia. Alterwitz became more involved in Judaism after his bar mitzvah, and has continued his religious affiliation throughout his adult life, and has traveled to Israel twice. He talks about meeting his former wife, his travels through Europe, and coming back to Las Vegas after some time in Reno.
In 1959, Daryl Alterwitz was born in Gary, Indiana, son of Oscar and Deanne Alterwitz. When he was thirteen years old, his family moved to Las Vegas to capitalize on new opportunities in the growing city, and his parents purchased Walker Furniture soon after their arrival. As a high school student, Daryl experienced a powerful trip to Israel, which strengthened his connection to Judaism. After graduation from Valley High School, Daryl attended the University of California - Santa Cruz, and after two years of study, Daryl took time off to travel throughout South Asia, accompanied by close childhood friend Robert Engel. He returned after a year and graduated with an independent major in classical studies. From there, Daryl spent more time in Israel living on a kibbutz. Daryl next went to law school at Santa Clara University, and then supplemented his education with a degree in taxation from New York University School of Law. Between law school and New York, he met his wife, Teri Shoofey; they two had two children, though are now divorced. After New York, he returned to Nevada, first living in Reno. After his father passed away, Daryl moved back to Las Vegas, and took on more responsibility with the family business as well as practicing law. Daryl?s commitment to community service is enduring and visible. He has donated his time and resources to both Jewish organizations, like Jewish Family Services, and non-Jewish groups, like Las Vegas Rescue Mission. He has also served on the boards of the Jewish Federation, Congregation Ner Tamid, and the Anti-Defamation League. Daryl also continues to indulge his passion for international travel, having visited Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, Cambodia, and has even biked from Hungary to Poland.
Kol Badmidbar newsletters from Midbar Kodesh Temple, 2000-2002, include youth and education news, columns by the Rabbi and President, event announcements, yahrzeits and tributes, and advertisements.
The "Presidential Evening" event at Treasure Island was held to raise funds for the Nat Hart Scholarship Endowment Fund and General Scholarship Fund for the Meadows School in Las Vegas.
In this interview, Rabbi Malcolm Cohen speaks about observed differences between British and American Jewish communities as well as new Temple Sinai initiatives to build community and engage younger congregants. Rabbi Cohen and his wife have two children, Elijah and Rachel.
Rabbi Malcolm Cohen was born on October 7, 1973 in London, England. He describes having the typical Reform Jewish upbringing of a second generation Londoner. His mother worked as an office assistant, and his father ran a bookshop and also prepared youth for their bar and bat mitzvahs. It was his father?s dedication to Jewish education and service that greatly influenced his career path. After earning a degree in psychology from Southampton University, Rabbi Cohen went on to get a professional qualification in youth and community work. He subsequently became the British Reform movement?s first outreach officer, leading the efforts to engage 20- and 30-year-olds to Judaism. At his wife, Sarah?s, encouragement, Rabbi Cohen enrolled in Leo Baeck College to become a rabbi. Upon finishing his studies in 2006, he got a job at West London Synagogue, a large Reform congregation, where he worked with a team of rabbis. In 2009, Rabbi Cohen took the position as Temple Sinai?s rabbi, where he has served ever since. In this interview, he speaks about observed differences between British and American Jewish communities as well as new Temple Sinai initiatives to build community and engage younger congregants. Rabbi Cohen and his wife have two children, Elijah and Rachel.
This report provides the results of a study conducted by CITYWEST, Inc., to "determine whether the synagogue should remain in its current location and be renovated, remain in its current location and rebuild, or move." The report addresses leadership and staff development, as well as programming recommendations.