Shira & Andrew Wurzburger: The People Who Just Can’t Say No

 

If you have been at YINR and wondered, “who are the people who seem to be involved in everything, yet somehow manage to keep it all together with a smile?” look no further than Shira and Andrew Wurzburger.

 

Since moving to New Rochelle in 2008, the Wurzburgers have thrown themselves into the community, not because they are looking for recognition, but because they genuinely love this place and are completely devoted to the core values of Torah, avoda and gemilut chasadim.

 

Andrew: The Reluctant, but Highly Effective President

 

Andrew’s leadership roles at YINR have been extensive, including serving on the Board, Executive Board (including a stint as Financial Secretary), and, of course, as President (a role he accepted despite knowing it would involve far more emails and spreadsheets than he had ever hoped for).

 

During his presidency, Andrew led YINR through the return to Shul from COVID.  He successfully navigated ever-changing guidelines to ensure members could safely daven, learn, and see each other in person again (without needing to unmute first) and oversaw the creation of the YINR toddler room to ensure that more of the community could return without worrying about having a place for their youngest.  He launched the Semichat Chaver program, which has provided members with a wonderful way to engage in serious Torah learning.  He secured a permanent home for the Sephardic minyan, ensuring that YINR remains a welcoming space for all.  He also spearheaded the acquisition of the house next door, expanding YINR’s footprint.

 

His effectiveness as a leader is hardly surprising given his day job as a distinguished attorney at Paul Weiss.  Andrew serves as a trusted advisor to many members of the real estate industry and is renowned for navigating and executing some of the most complex and high-stakes deals with precision and expertise.

 

In addition to his leadership positions, Andrew has provided spiritual inspiration to the YINR community, serving as a ba’al tefillah during the Yamim Noraim and year-round, a role that is both uplifting and conveniently prevents him from being roped into other Shul responsibilities during davening. He also helped establish the bi-weekly 8:30am minyan (pre-COVID), which he later worked to help become a weekly minyan, now at 8:15am, proving that even davening schedules are subject to inflation.

 

One of Andrew’s lesser-known, but particularly beloved, contributions is launching the Thanksgiving meals for the New Rochelle Police and Fire Department.  This initiative ensures that the people keeping us safe get a well-deserved hot meal and a hearty dose of YINR gratitude.

 

Shira: The Heart and Soul of YINR

 

Known affectionately as FLOT-S (First Lady of the Shul), Shira is the definition of “ain’t no mountain high enough.”  If there is an initiative at YINR that involves chesed, kids, or making sure people feel welcome, Shira’s fingerprints are all over it.

 

Those who have spent time working with Shira know firsthand that she is an expert in her field and respected by all those who have crossed her path. As Director of Administration at Mayer Brown and an HR guru, Shira manages the firm’s operations while fostering an effective and positive work environment.

 

FLOT-S has been deeply involved in YINR’s Kesher Committee, working to ensure that Shul members are cared for.  She has also served on the Youth Department Board.  Shira worked to develop babysitting and youth programming for the Yamim Noraim, organized the initial Youth Chanukah Chesed Event, and is always finding ways to get kids involved in mitzvot (because, let’s be honest, it’s never too early to teach them that shlepping boxes is a sacred Jewish tradition).

 

But it’s not just about programs, it’s about giving back. During COVID, when the world shut down, Shira ramped up.  Together with other YINR members, Shira coordinated clothing drives and book drives benefiting Kids’ Closet/914Cares, as well as pre- and post-Pesach food drives for Hope Food Pantry and UJA. More recently, she co-organized the Yad Leah clothing drive, resulting in over 1,100 bags of clothing donated to displaced families and soldiers in Israel.

 

Shira’s passion for hachnasat orchim extends beyond formal committees.  The Wurzburger home is a revolving door of guests.  On any given Shabbat, the Wurzburger home is a hub of laughter, lively discussion, bespoke seltzer, and the kind of warmth that makes you forget you only met them five minutes ago.

 

The Wurzburgers: The Definition of “All In”

 

Despite the dozens of hats they wear at YINR, Shira and Andrew’s favorite job is being parents to their three wonderful kids: Sarah (21), a junior at Stern College, with a passion for education and an innate enthusiasm to match - proof that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree; Lily (18), a former superstar athlete, now studying at Sha’alvim for Women and bringing the same dedication and drive to everything she pursues; and Aleeza (12), the creative force of the family, ensuring that every gathering is filled with energy, humor, and probably a little bit of glitter.

 

It is our honor (although we know it makes them very uncomfortable) to recognize Shira and Andrew Wurzburger as this year’s Guests of Honor at the YINR 58th Annual Dinner.

 

Mazal Tov, Shira and Andrew! YINR is stronger, warmer, and infinitely more fun because of you.

 

Amy & Noah Weisberger

Dana & Yudi Fishkin