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This series shines a light on congregant stories who have participated in Rodef Sholom's Mitzvah Moments initiative, a series of community-strengthening opportunities open to all in our community. To learn more about how to get involved with Mitzvah Moments, click here.

Tell us a little about yourself. I live in Larkspur with my 5-year old daughter, Scarlett, and have been the owner of the Orangetheory Fitness in Greenbrae since 2016. 

Will you share a bit about your mitzvot? My daughter and I have delivered meals to sick congregants, which was wonderful to do together.  I've also been involved with Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) for over 10 years. I got involved when I lived in Chicago and I looked for one in San Francisco when I moved here. The organization connects older people who don't have any family with younger people.  I talk with my elders regularly and occasionally visit them with my daughter.  It's a wonderful organization.

How did you get involved in this particular project? I've always enjoyed volunteering. I think it's important to give my time and not just write a check. And I want to set an example for my daughter, to show her how we can do good deeds.  So, I look for ways we can do things together.

What have you learned through participating in this mitzvah? It's fine to personally get something out of volunteering. While I love that volunteering is good for the community, I also like that it's good for my soul and mental health.

Any advice for others wanting to get involved? You're going to develop some friendships! And you might need to have a thick skin--not every visit is going to go perfectly. But it's so worth it.

(Interview conducted by Marika Paez Wiesen)