For more than 42 years, Dan Ross has been a steady, joyful presence in the Beth Israel community. He and his wife, Joan, joined the congregation early in their marriage and quickly made shul life a meaningful part of their family’s rhythm. Especially in more recent years, Dan considers Beth Israel a central place of connection and community.

 

Dan shows up. A lot. You’ll find him at morning and evening online minyanim (nicknamed “Shoom” — shul on Zoom — by his daughter), Brotherhood events, meetings, and just about anything else happening at Beth Israel. He’s the go-to egg cracker for Brotherhood breakfasts, a regular driver for Bunches of Lunches deliveries, and recently became the friendly face behind the High Holiday ushering program — a perfect role for someone who genuinely loves welcoming people and making them feel comfortable.

 

Dan is always ready to lend a hand, whether that means lifting the Torah for Hagbah, building and taking down the sukkah, helping out monthly with Habitat for Humanity, or stepping in wherever muscle and good humor are needed. He’s also incredibly proud of his long-standing commitment to the American Red Cross, having donated over 65 pints of blood since 1994!

 

Volunteerism is simply part of who Dan is, and he’s passed that value on to his kids, who both give back in meaningful ways. Now, he’s excited to share that spirit with his granddaughters, Leah and Sarah, teaching them how to put up drywall, raise their hands to help, and understand the joy that comes from making a difference.