Closing the generation gap

Kyle Gissser, in the Viking costume
during Purim.

“Dor L’Dor”–Generation to Generation–certainly describes the three generations of the Gisser family who are members of Temple Israel Ner Tamid (TINT).

Grandparents Marcia and Marv Gisser joined the temple after several years of non-affiliation with any synagogue or temple, attending high holiday services at several locations.

“Because our son Keith, daughter-in-law Becki and our grandchildren, Kyle and Dana, had been members for almost 20 years at the time,” Marcia said, “we had attended various functions at TINT during the year, and began attending high holiday services on a regular basis. We enjoyed the service, the diverse membership and the friendliness of the people, so several years ago we joined. It also gave us an opportunity to spend time with family, which isn’t always possible with everybody’s busy schedule,” she added.

Becki, who converted to Judaism at the time of her marriage, has not only become an active member of the temple, but is a member of the board and chair of the college committee which provides “goodies” at holiday times to members’ children away at college. Keith, a herpetologist, often presents shows to Sunday School students at the end of the year.

Kyle’s and Dana’s involvement has grown from a very passive one at their child-naming ceremony, though consecration, confirmation and bar and bat mitzvah. Kyle even has served as “guest rabbi” during Rabbi Matt Eisenberg’s summer vacations.

It’s a wonderful way to close the generation gap.