Combining a celebration with a bit of awareness raising and some mitzvah work is all in a day’s work for Joe Brodie and Erica Goldman-Brodie. The couple, who were about to celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary, wanted to offer their friends and family a special way of marking the occasion.Personal gifts weren’t important, “we have enough things,” commented Erica, “we wanted to share our good fortune, our happiness and our thanks that we’ve been lucky enough to enjoy 18 years together.” The couple, who live in Riverdale, New York, are members of two local synagogues, CSAIR and RJC and care deeply about Israel. Both believe in quality education and inclusion for all, especially within the confines of the Jewish community in the US and Israel.
Joe and Erica visited Shutaf’s Thursday after-school program, spending an afternoon along with dear friends both of whom are Jewish educators themselves, seeing Shutaf in action. Erica noted “there’s nothing like experiencing something oneself to be left with a lasting, most positive impression.” She and Joe befriended the children, petted the bunnies, planted peppers and experienced Shutaf’s uniquely accepting and relaxed atmosphere.
Adds Erica, “In my eyes, Beth and Miriam are visionaries, putting dreams into action.’’
