THIS is Jewish Community Service

I heard a great line today from my grandfather, who heard it from his uncle over half a century ago:

"If you want something to get done, give the job to someone who's already busy."

They're the ones who know how to manage time and get projects done.

Today, a man in Queens was surprised to be honored for his 35 years of service to the Queens Jewish Community by the President of the Borough of Queens. This man has also served on and off as President for over 50 years of the shul he helped found in 1951 in Queens, and served on the Queens Jewish Community Council - which he also helped in the forming of - from its inception in 1968. What he and the committees he has helped form have accomplished in the last 55 years is immeasurable; who knows how easy it would be for us to be living here, in Queens, if not for all their hard work in that time. Most importantly, these people, this man who was recognized, did all of this with complete selflessness - not for recognition, not to be honored, just because they felt it was important to get done. And so, they did it. You don't sit as a volunteer on a board for 35 years to get a plaque in front of a small group of other board members - you volunteer to help your community, to help your people, to make life better for all those who are around you, who will be around you, and who will come after you.

Please take a moment to thank Mr. Daniel Friedenreich (and his equally dedicated wife Lillian, who herself has been recognized for her selfless work on numerous occasions) for all that he's done for the Jewish community, whether you live in Queens or any other Jewish community. We need more Dan Friedenreichs - not just in the older generations, but in our own. May his actions serve as an example for us all, not just now, but far into the future.

Thanks Grandpa. We love you.