Temple Isaiah of Great Neck is pleased to announce that we will be honoring two of our longest-tenured congregants—Kathie Davis and Denise Miller—at a luncheon on Sunday, March 17 at the newly opened and renovated Paros Grille located in Great Neck. Together, their years of service to Temple Isaiah total more than 65 and they have both dutifully served our local Great Neck and the larger Long Island communities. Please allow us to introduce them.
Kathie has been a member of Temple Isaiah of Great Neck for over 30 years. She is currently the Financial Secretary, Chairperson of the Caring Committee and on the Executive Committee.
The Caring Committee has 10 members who work diligently to bring comfort and joy to Congregants and their families. Kathie was Co-President of the Temple from 2014 to 2018 during which time the Temple underwent several changes including the unfortunate passing of Rabbi Tsuruoka. She was on the search committee to find a new Rabbi and also to find the site of a “home of our own.” She was involved in the appraisal of the temple’s antiquities and previously hosted summer services at her home.
Kathie had an adult Bat Mitzvah and was Confirmed at the Temple. Her daughter Jennifer also had an adult Bat Mitzvah and likes to attend Temple services and events. Kathie was President of the Great Neck Breast Cancer Coalition during which time she helped patients on their journey from illness to health. She has a master’s degree in Travel and is a retired travel agent, having worked in the industry for over 30 years. At times it was stressful but always totally enjoyable.
Kathie is very grateful to receive this honor and looks forward to her continued work for Temple Isaiah.
Denise is a retired attorney and has been a member of Temple Isaiah of Great Neck for more than 35 years. She joined initially in order to enroll her daughter, Alexandra, in religious school as preparation for Alexandra’s future Bat Mitzvah. It has been many years since that event, but Denise has stayed on as a member because of the friendship, fellowship and spirituality she enjoys there.
Denise celebrated her own adult Bat Mitzvah in 1998 and her second Confirmation a few years later. She continues to learn and grow through the synagogue’s adult education courses and weekly Torah study.
Denise serves on the Synagogue’s Board of Directors and has been the Chairperson of their Social Action Committee for many years. She is currently Co-Chairperson of Temple Isaiah’s Fundraising Committee and is a member of the Executive Board. Through her work with Temple Isaiah and her commitment to social justice, she became involved with Hatzilu, the Jewish Rescue Organization, where she currently is a Board Member. She has organized food drives and fundraisers at the Synagogue to benefit that organization. Denise’s interest in helping others led to an on-going connection with Ladles of Hope, a soup kitchen on the south shore of Long Island. She organized Temple Isaiah members to work in the soup kitchen, preparing and serving meals and distributing clothing and other essentials to those in need.
Denise and her husband, Steve Fein, hope to continue their close connection to the Synagogue and their many friends there for many years to come.
—Submitted by Temple Isaiah of Great Neck
