Bob Obeiter - 2011 Man of the Year

 A Short Bio - Bob Obeiter

It is truly an honor to be named Temple Israel’s Brandeis Men’s Club Man of the Year (MOY). To be associated with those who have previously received this award is indeed humbling. Their accomplishments and service engender inspiration among the members of our Temple Israel family, and I am grateful for their continued leadership. Temple Israel’s MOY award commemorates the blessed memory of Harry Grant who was a true mensch in every sense of the word. Harry’s great love of family, Torah and synagogue along with his warmth and affection for everyone he encountered is legendary. Receiving an award in his name is particularly pleasing.

In recent years I have served on several committees and have chaired both Ritual and House. I continue to be active in both areas – routinely serving as Gabbai and, I am proud to say, as the de facto maintenance man for our shul. It is a little-known but well worn tradition that any Jew who actually owns tools and knows how to use them will assume this esteemed role of Handy Man. With much help and support from Men’s Club and synagogue members, we have renovated our Rabbi’s home, constructed a rainwater collection and irrigation system and are now fixing the damage caused by Hurricane Irene.

Originally from Queens, NY, I moved to Ridgewood and joined Temple Israel 21 years ago. Clearly, this is home. Rita, my wife of 35 years, and I have three wonderful children. Michael lives in Washington DC and works for the US Senate as a Senior Budget Analyst. Josh lives in Boston and is an admissions officer at Northeastern University. Sara is a sophomore at Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA and looks forward to becoming a veterinarian. As a family, we have been blessed with a full life here in Ridgewood and at Temple Israel.

As my vocation, I am Executive Vice President of an economic and management consulting focusing on the energy industry. When not slogging it out in the trenches, I enjoy reading, cooking, skiing and golf, the last two which can involve quite a bit of slogging as well.

  Brandeis Men's Club Welcome Letter and Membership Form

Memory Lane
 
 

 Denis Vogel - 2010 Man of the Year       Bob Smolen - 2009 Man of the Year

Left to right: Robert Rohrberger, David Millman, Eric Klein -- all prior presidents of the Brandeis Mens Club

Brandeis Men's Club members building the Sukkah

Fun Slide at the Brandeis Men's Club BBQ

Enjoying good conversation and music at the BBQ