Having been born into the Plainview Jewish Center in 1969, Shea is no stranger to the Synagogue. He became a member in his own right in 2001 and immediately became active by co-chairing the Kol Nidre Campaign and serving on the Strategic Planning Committee, drafting the Synagogues first Strategic Plan. In 2003, he was elected to the Board of Trustees and was elected President in 2010 and once again in 2015. He is on track to score a “Hat Trick” as President once again in 2025. Following in his father’s footsteps, Shea is part of the only Father/Son Presidency lineage to date in PJC history. The Brick Path, Computer Lab, Religious School Smart Board Implementation, as well as the Plainview-Old Bethpage Community ambulance for ARMDI was created under his leadership.
Currently, Shea serves on the Board of the Men’s Club, chairing the joint Men’s Club/Sisterhood Shabbat and sponsoring the annual Chanukah, Purim and Patio Player endeavors. Having been recruited to assist the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs Annual Man of the Year/Youth of the Year fundraiser back in 2020, Shea quickly rose the ranks of FJMC leadership culminating in his nomination to be President of the Metro Region FJMC in the spring of 2023. He also serves as Vice President of the Hatzilu Rescue Organization, helping Nassau County’s Jewish Poor.
Shea has been a fundraising professional for the past 30 years and has served as the Chief Development Officer for NewYork-Presbyterian/Queens Hospital, Muscular Dystrophy Association and Friends of the Israel Defense Forces to name a few. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Hartford, where he held a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Humanities and a Master of Social Work degree, concentrating in Community Organization and Non-Profit Management from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University. With his lovely wife Pamela, he was awarded the Lion of Judah award by Israel Bonds in 2016 and is doubly honored and proud to share the FJMC Man of the Year/Youth of the Year distinction with his son Noah.
Noah Jacob Lerner
A graduating Senior at the Solomon Schechter School of Long Island, Noah is a third-generation member of the Plainview Jewish Center. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Noah has taken on a leadership role of his own, forging a path of Jewish Communal and Civic service.
Currently the President of the PJC United Synagogue Youth program, Noah has led a group of committed and talented teens espousing the concept of Tikkun Olam, Repairing the World. Whether it is collecting food for the Hatzilu Rescue Organization or volunteering around the Synagogue, Noah is no stranger to rolling up his sleeves and “getting the job done”. Often, Noah can be found leading the Torah and Musaf Services on Shabbat when clergy is on vacation and/or assignment; or assisting the House Committee and Maintenance crew with tasks around the building. As a member of the PJC Men’s Club, Noah has been recognized for his volunteer service to the clubs’ programs and projects.
An avid sports fan, Noah follows the NY Mets, Jets, and Islanders religiously and loves exercising in the gym, practicing his karate and weekly golf lessons and rounds. Noah will be attending the Austin Dunham Barney School of Business and Public Administration at the University of Hartford, majoring in Business Administration. He is honored to be the PJC Men’s Club Youth of the Year alongside his Father.