Tell us about your family:
I have a lovely wife, Brenna, wonderful 15-year old twin boys, Henry and Abbott, and a dog, Dragon. Brenna and I have been married for 19 years and she still is the funniest person that I know. Henry and Abbott are sophomores at Lower Merion High School. Dragon is a 20-ish pound terrier mix, with big ears, a white beard, and an underbite.
How long have you been a BAI member?
We joined BAI in 2017, so we have been members for 7 years.
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Youngstown, Ohio where I lived with my parents, brother, and twin sister until going to college at the University of Cincinnati. During college, I lived in Cincinnati, but also interned in Nashville, Destin Florida, San Francisco, and New York City. After college I moved to New York City and lived in both Brooklyn and Queens for a total of 16 years before moving to Wynnewood.
What is your favorite thing about BAI?
I love the sanctuary space itself, from the massive windows with a view to nature, to the wood ceiling and copper lights, to the feeling of closeness of the overall layout. I like sensing the intent and purpose behind a million human-made decisions that help foster a spiritual experience.
Most memorable event or program at BAI?
Henry and Abbott’s B’nai Mitzvah was the most memorable event at BAI because it was the most personally meaningful. I remember feeling a combination of enormous pride and white-knuckle anxiety during the service. And I remember a wonderful moment of levity towards the end, when Hazzan Harold “Rick-rolled” (sang the Rick Astley song “Never Going to Give You Up”) my sons from the bimah.
What is your favorite Jewish family tradition?
When I was about 9, it became too much for my parents to give us three kids toys/presents for each day of Hanukah. That year, my mom and dad started giving each kid a total of $36, one dollar on the first night of Hanukah, two dollars on the second night, and so on. Each night, we would open a sealed envelope containing the money. That tradition has carried on ever since, and now extends to my kids (and to my kids as the grandkids). I still get excited opening that last envelope of eight dollars!
What is the best thing you’ve watched or read lately?
Over the past year plus, I have been mesmerized by Caitlin Clark. I’ve tried to watch her play basketball as much as possible. This fascination started with Iowa’s run to the championship game in 2023, extended to her historic senior season at Iowa, and continued into her historic rookie year in the WNBA while playing for the Indiana Fever.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Wawa. Is this really a question?!
I can talk your ear off about…
Caitlin Clark, see previous response about what I’ve watched lately. Architecture, I mean, that’s my job. Fantasy football.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy watching sports, particularly basketball and football, and playing sports, particularly basketball and occasionally softball and tennis. I tried to learn quilt-making, but got stuck on the actual quilt-sewing part. I have a Cricut machine where I enjoy making custom things out of paper, primarily exploring geometric patterns. Finally, I like putting together Lego sets. I’m currently working on the 4,300 piece Notre Dame, and looking forward to the 10,000 piece Eiffel Tower.
What has been your favorite vacation?
For the past couple of years, my wife has been running marathons, in Philadelphia, Chicago, Berlin, and New York. Her events become excuses to travel with the whole family. These vacations have become favorites for me because we get to cheerlead for her during the runs (and there is NOTHING better than cheerleading for your wife during a marathon!) and unique ways to explore these world-class cities. Onward to Sydney and Tokyo and Boston and…
Anything else you would like to share?
Go Sixers!
