LESSONS - Congregation Agudas Achim

Shari and Randy Pulman
Congregation Agudas Achim is delighted to honor Shari and Randy
Pulman at our congregation’s annual Gala and Honors Evening.
Together, Shari and Randy perfectly parallel our synagogue’s long
rich history, vibrant and productive present, and a future secured
through hard work and commitment.
Just as Agudas Achim is dedicated to the concept of L’Dor Va-Dor
(from generation to generation), Shari and Randy, both raised with
a strong Jewish identity, are setting an example for their children
of how solid leadership and love of Jewish values makes a lasting
difference in our community.
Shari and Randy’s families share the familiar Jewish immigrant
story. An entrepreneurial characteristic runs deep in both families,
and Shari and Randy’s strong work ethic can be directly traced
back to these enterprising relatives.
Shari’s maternal grandfather immigrated from Romania, met
her maternal grandmother and then settled in Galveston. Her
grandfather initially made a living selling produce from a truck to
the city’s finest restaurants. Her mother, Reesa Rabinowitz, and
siblings Roz and Bernard, grew up in Galveston. Her paternal
grandparents settled in Crystal City where they opened a dry
goods store while raising her dad, Joel, and uncles, Stuart and
Allen (of blessed memory).
Shari’s parents, Reesa and Joel Pullen, were introduced by Joel’s
cousin. Reesa, the young co-ed, and Joel, the sharp attorney, fell
in love, married and soon became parents to Shari, Forrest, Scott
(married to Rachel Stern) and Eric (married to Sheri Friedson). Joel
built a successful law career, and Reesa made her mark in the
Jewish community through extensive volunteering. Reesa is also
known for her penchant for cooking and entertaining and is widely
recognized as the consummate hostess. Both Shari’s parents are
past Presidents of the Barshop Jewish Community Center. Shari
remembers growing up in a home always filled with family, friends
and celebration.
Randy’s paternal grandparents immigrated to America from Latvia
at the turn of the 19th century. They first settled in St. Louis after
an extended stopover in London where they had the first two of
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their six children. The family later settled in San Antonio and
opened Pulman Furniture Company. Randy’s father, Jake, and his
brother opened Acme Furniture Company after serving in World
War II. Although born in St. Louis, Jake grew up in San Antonio
and graduated from Brackenridge High School. Randy’s maternal
grandparents settled in Waco where his mother, Minnie,
graduated from high school and worked in civil service on several
Air Force bases during World War II.
It was just after the war that Minnie met and married Jake. Their
family grew to include son Charles (married to Janine), daughter
Susan Butler (married to Steve) and youngest child, Randy. Jake
ran Acme Furniture which was located downtown at the corner
of Commerce and Navarro. Randy was raised in a home on
West Gramercy which was three blocks from the old Agudas
Achim on Donaldson. Over the years, Jake served on many of
our synagogues’ boards, and Minnie was very active in Agudas
Achim, Sisterhood and Hadassah. In fact, Jake (like Randy) served
as Agudas Achim Treasurer.
Shari Pullen and Randy Pulman have been “Shari and Randy” since
they met at 12 years old in Hebrew school at Agudas Achim! Both
their families were (and still are!) members of Agudas Achim.
Growing up in different parts of San Antonio before Facebook and
Twitter didn’t stop Shari and Randy from connecting. They got to
know each other the old fashioned way – by telephone, Hebrew
School and the all important Bar/Bat Mitzvah seasons of middle
school. Shari was chosen “Sweetheart” when they were both
members of BBYO.
After attending high school apart for the first three years, they
found a way to be together their senior year. Even at a young
age, Randy was able to find the loopholes, along with help from
Jay Sam Levey (of blessed memory) and his debate coach. He
transferred to Churchill High School his senior year where he and
Shari shared every class but one.
They attended the University of Texas at Austin together. After
receiving their undergraduate degrees, they separated for the
first time. Shari attended Southern Methodist University School
of Law in Dallas, while Randy continued his education in Austin
at the University of Texas School of Law. Before they graduated
with their Juris Doctor degrees, they became engaged. During
law school, they spent countless weekends traveling between
the two universities to spend time with each other.
Married at Agudas Achim by Rabbi Louis Schechter (of blessed
memory), they quickly moved to Houston where they initially
worked for separate law firms. In short order, they were juggling
their hectic work schedules while raising their growing family.
Shari eventually joined Randy’s firm where they both were
made partners. The opportunity to live once again close to their
families and friends presented itself, and in 1994 they packed up
their children, Jason age six, Hailey sixteen months old and Josh
three days old, and returned to San Antonio. Moving back proved
to be a great decision both personally and professionally as their