Alan Ullman

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Alan Ullman

Alan Ullman is someone who is always up for a challenge. About six years ago, when Rabbi Hoffman wanted to create a more welcoming atmosphere for people attending services or other programs, Alan stepped up to take on the task. Given his background as an engineer with a Ph.D. from Stanford, he went about it in the way any engineer would.

“I’m a pretty organized person,” Alan said. “And I believe people like to have something tangible telling them when and where they are expected to be. So rather than just ask around, I made up a form with specific events, dates and times and circulated it among Board members.”

And so the Ambassador program was born. “As I expected, people responded and it seems to be working well, although we could always use more greeters.” (Any member who would like to become a greeter can call the VBS office and ask for Alan’s contact info.)

Alan said that it’s important for people to feel welcomed and have their questions answered. “VBS is a huge place and can feel intimidating,” he observed. “So to have someone with a friendly face greet you and be there if you have any questions is good for the person walking in the door, and also for the synagogue.”

Alan observed that VBS is a complicated, multifaceted community. He called his membership “a great intellectual experience” that has become a big part of his and his wife, Beth’s, life.”

Alan and Beth have a son, Mike, and one grandson, Tommy, age 5. Alan and Beth live in Northridge and were longtime members of Temple Ramat Zion. But after their son was grown and out of the house, they sought a synagogue with more programs for adults, rather than one focusing primarily on children and families.

He credits former VBS President, Andy Hyman, who is a member of his Havurah, with motivating him to be an active member. “It makes you feel that you are a part of something,” he said. “I would recommend that any member become active and serve as a Shabbat greeter, on a committee, or attend the wide-variety of religious services we offer, such as the N’Shama Minyan, which Beth and I attend regularly.”

Alan and Beth believe they couldn’t have found a better place than VBS. “If you have a family, there are myriad programs for young marrieds and kids,” Alan said, “But if you are an empty nester like we are, there are just as many programs for adults and seniors. There is the College of Jewish Studies, for adult Jewish education; Hazak, for seniors; the VBS counseling center; and interesting lectures and events throughout the year. All of these things reflect VBS’s commitment to the wider Jewish community, and I couldn’t be more proud of that.

“We highly recommend it for anyone seeking to belong to a welcoming, vibrant community with something for just about everyone.”

Interview conducted by and article written by Jay Schuster