Anne Frank once wrote: “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Her words have helped to inspire Eleanor “Ele” Ryder to become an active Jewish woman. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Eleanor was named after Eleanor Roosevelt, and like her namesake, she has tried to dedicate her life to helping others.

 
Ele has lived in Patchogue, N.Y., for more than 50 years, and is a long-time president of Patchogue Hadassah, and an active member of Temple Beth El Sisterhood in Patchogue. She credits her mother for getting her interested in Sisterhood and owes a great deal to Sisterhood President Michele Nuceder and her diligent officers for their untiring efforts in keeping Sisterhood exciting, viable, and challenging. Their enthusiasm has bolstered Ele’s commitment.

Ele is a retired elementary-school teacher, who enthusiastically taught at Medford Elementary School in Patchogue for 40 years. She also taught at Our Lady of Peace School, in Lynbrook, N.Y., and at Ellenville Elementary School, upstate in the Catskills.

In addition, since 2003, she has served as a board trustee of the Patchogue-Medford Library, where she has enjoyed playing a part in the educational growth of the local population. Ele is very happily married to artist/professor Will Ryder, and is delighted to be the mother of daughter, Tama, and son-in-law, Johan, who live and work in London, England.

There are many deserving women who recognize the value of Sisterhoods and work hard to maintain their presence in temples. Ele appreciates her inclusion in this year’s group of honorees.