December/January/February 2011-2012 - Congregation Mishkan ...

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: MARTY SELTZER
It’s Sunday evening and, as the sun sets, congregants
are joining Marty Seltzer as he leads them at minyan.
Marty has been a “minyannaire” for seventeen years,
answering the call to all Board members to attend
minyan. Marty feels that he can make a difference
in mourners’ lives by being there to help them say
Kaddish; for Marty, minyan offers a comfort zone.
Many years ago, Marty offered Cantor Wolok to fill in
for him at minyan in bad weather and other times, and
since then, has taken over Sunday night and vacation
minyanim.
Marty’s interest in Judaism was particularly sparked in
the late 1980’s when he
recognized that he could not read Hebrew at services.
He then studied Hebrew in adult classes at Solomon
Schechter, and started going to Shabbat services to
practice what he learned. Marty enjoys the peace and
calm he finds on Shabbat, and is an active participant in
services while serving as usher.
In 1999 after losing his father, Marty attended minyan
daily for eleven months, and says that he continues
to attend three mornings a week as it is “difficult to
get the ten ‘souls’ required to make a minyan”. He
also serves as an usher on Shabbat mornings and the
High Holidays, working closely with Ron Sieve for
almost eight years, enjoying both the responsibility and
friendship a great deal. Marty is also a member of the
Religious Policy Committee, providing input on the
logistics of seating and aliyot.
Professionally, Marty is Co-Owner and Founder of
Benjamin Martin Manufacturing Company, which
he started with his brother Benjamin over 35 years
ago. In 1994, after noting how his daughter Julie’s
bat mitzvah certificate was in poor condition just days
after the celebration, Marty decided to donate the
framing of all certificates for our bnei mitzvah children,
Marty Seltzer
and still performs this mitzvah. He also makes the
Brotherhood’s Man of the Year awards, and chaired that
event when Cantor Wolok was honored.
Marty has been connected with Mishkan Tefila
his entire life. Marty’s grandparents, Max and Ida
Hoffman, and parents were CMT members, and his
grandfather served as Treasurer. His extended family
is an integral part of our shul, requiring two full rows
of High Holiday seats, possibly a CMT record! Marty
and his wife Debbi celebrated their wedding in 1981
at CMT, were married by Rabbi Kazis, who had
officiated at Marty’s parents’ wedding, and then came
out of retirement for one last wedding. They have been
members for 26 years, and have raised their daughters
Julie and Jaclyn at Mishkan Tefila.
So Marty – while you don’t like to get accolades for all
you do – we really must salute you for your dedication
to the shul, welcoming manner at minyan, and
commitment to Judaism. Thanks for all you do – see
you at minyan!
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CONGREGATION
MISHKAN TEFILA
CONGREGATION MISHKAN TEFILA DECEMBER 2011 - FEBRUARY 2012