Susan Wald
Woman of AchievementCongregation Beth Tikvah
Susan Wald was born in Brooklyn and moved to Queens and the Bronx before settling in North Bellmore on Long Island. Her parents raised her in a traditional, kosher Jewish home.
Her parents sent her to Workmen's Circle Yiddish School because, according to them, “in those days" girls did not have a Bat Mitzvah. But in the year 2000, Susan had an adult Bat Mitzvah at Temple Beth El of North Bellmore, because she didn't want her three children knowing more about Judaism than she did! Susan's mom, of blessed memory, was very active in the American Red Magen David for Israel, now known as Magen David Adom. Her father, of blessed memory, was the president of Co-Op City Jewish Center in the Bronx. Susan and her spouse continue their tradition of involvement in Jewish causes. Her husband is Congregation Beth Tikvah’s Men’s Club President. They have three married adult children and one adorable two-year-old granddaughter.
Susan is a retired NYC Department of Education Guidance Counselor. She worked at a High School in Queens one year before the birth of her first child and ended up staying home with all three children for 11 years. She returned to work at the same school in September 2001, counseling many through 9/11, and retired during the Covid pandemic in 2021.
Susan became a Sisterhood member of Temple Beth El of Bellmore over 30 years ago. She was the Torah Fund Chairperson and wrote a column called “Susan's Musins” for its Sisterhood's magazine, Spotlight. When Temple Beth El closed, Susan and her husband joined Congregation Beth Tikvah. Susan became active in CBT’s Sisterhood. She is the co-chairperson of the Sisterhood's Social Action Committee. Every month the committee selects a new mitzvah project, which Susan oversees, with generous donations from Temple members. Projects have included collecting school supplies, clothes, toys, eyeglasses, books, and footwear. During the month of October (breast cancer awareness month), bras are collected, which she says is “a very uplifting and supportive activity.” Susan does casework and delivers food for Hatzilu Rescue Organization clients. Once a month, Susan facilitates a support group at Congregation Beth Tikvah.
Susan is honored to have been chosen as a Woman of Achievement, and thanks her family, friends, and fellow temple members who are here for her tonight and always!