Bill Mayo is a three-time Past President of Bethpage Jewish Community Center. He was a member of the committee that brought Bethpage Jewish Center and Midway Jewish Center together. After the synagogue’s merger, Bill and his family quickly felt at home at MIdway and became as active there as they had been in Bethpage. Bill is a shul goer who loves to participate in services. He and his wife can be found in the same seats during weekly Shabbat services and holiday services as well.
Bill has been married to his wife Melanie for 48 years. They have 2 children, Jeffrey and Rachel and four grandchildren. Bill was a member of the Fire Department for over 30 years where he served as both an EMT and a department Chaplain.
Bill continues to be very active on the Board of Directors of the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains. Approximatly 10 years ago, he had the honor to became the first Jewish Chief Chaplain of the NYSAFC.
Bill worked for the ABC Radio Networks for almost 40 years directing news, sports and special events including the opportunity to work at three Olympics.
He is presently a volunteer for the American Red Cross as the Metro New York and Long Island lead for Disaster Spiritual Care. He values the opportunity he has to help people when they are in a time of need.
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Benjamin Handell is a senior at Syosset High School and active member of Midway Jewish Center. His commitment to his faith is evident in his weekly attendance at Shabbat services, where he regularly participates by reading Torah and Haftarah.
In addressing antisemitism within the Syosset Central School District, he organized a group of twelve students to speak before the School Board of Education, as well as regularly addressing the Board himself, fostering efforts to create a more inclusive educational environment. Additionally, as a founding member of the UNITE club, (Understanding and Nurturing Inclusivity Through Education) established after the October 7 Hamas attack, Benjamin works towards improving education and dispelling misinformation in the school community.
His leadership extends to the Syosset/Plainview Run For Their Lives group, which he runs when needed, showcasing his dedication to supporting meaningful causes since the group’s inception.
Benjamin is further involved in raising awareness for hostages, having put up hundreds of posters across the neighborhood.
As the President of MYSHN, (Mid-Island Youth Supporting and Helping our Neighbors) a teen philanthropy group based at the MIYJCC, Benjamin has led numerous events, raising substantial funds for various causes. This year, under his leadership, MYSHN has decided to direct their efforts towards the UJA Emergency Fund for Israel, and has already raised thousands of dollars.
His passion for making a positive impact extends beyond his community involvement into his academic pursuits. He intends to study political science in college, and is interested in politics, and Speech and Debate. For fun, he enjoys being on the Syosset Varsity Bowling team and hanging out with friends.
He is dedicated to creating positive change, both within his community and beyond.
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Ruby Goldberg is a senior at Syosset High School and has been a member of Midway Jewish Center since birth. Ruby attended the Janice M. Lustig Early Childhood Center, Religious School and Tichon at MJC. She has participated in Kadima and USY, serving on the General Board, as well as two consecutive terms as the MUSY chapter’s Social Action Tikkun Olam Vice President. For the past two summers, Ruby volunteered at the Early Childhood Center at MJC, assisting with the three year old class. She also helped with the preschool High Holiday services.
In addition to her involvement at MJC, Ruby serves as an Ambassador for Birthday Wishes of Long Island and is seasonally employed at Meyer’s Farm and Greenhouses. Ruby loves to sing and act. She is Co-President of Chorale, Co-Vice President of Syosset High School Vocal Jazz, a member of the award-winning all female barbershop a capella group the Adelettes, and House Manager for the Association of Creative Thespians theater club. Also, Ruby is the Founder/President of the Future Educators of Syosset and plans to study Elementary Education and/or Psychology this fall at college.
She enjoys painting, jewelry making, listening to country music and spending time with her family and friends. Ruby is delighted to receive this honor. Mazel Tov to all of the other honorees!