Posted on November 5, 2016
November Mensch of the Month: Gregory Hirsch
Our Mensch of the Month for November is Gregory “Greg” Hirsch. If you were introduced to Greg only by reading his long CV, you’d discover that he’s a local OB/GYN. You’d see that he’s served in hospitals and clinics and in private practice and has focused his career on women’s health issues. You might be impressed by his dedication to the local hospital, noting that he’s served on multiple committees. You’d also guess that he must be well-loved and respected by his patients and colleagues because he has been recognized several times, including as a “Doctor Who Makes a Difference” (NJ Life Magazine, 2011), a NJ “Top Doc” (Total Healthcare Resources, 2014, 2015), an Honoree at the 2013 Women’s Health Benefit (Women’s Health and Counseling Center) and the list goes on.
What you wouldn’t see on the CV is how Greg’s passion for making a difference goes beyond his profession. Since 2010, he’s been the chair of the “Run for Runaways,” a fundraising event for Visions and Pathways. He serves on the board of the Somerset Home for Temporarily Displaced Children. He and his wife Julie are co-captains of the water station at mile 24 of this year’s New York Marathon.
His CV doesn’t really highlight Greg’s “Hineini” attitude, either. When a pick-up truck is needed, Greg is quick to say “Yeah, I’ll do it!” He’s helped with the sukkah, with IHN, with the parking lot, to name a few.
And if the CV were the only way you knew Greg, you wouldn’t know of his joie de vivre. He is always ready with a cheerful smile, and sometimes a bit of well-meaning mischief. I’m sure his wife, Julie, and daughters, Iris and Talia, could tell many stories. Here’s one: he took great pleasure it attempting to deep-fry all sorts of foods at the last night of the 4-H Fair. All who volunteered that night got to taste his concoctions. Not all of them were successful, but his sense of fun was infections – and that’s just what the doctor ordered.
December Mensch of the Month: Lynn Small
(Editor’s Note: Usually these articles are written in third person, but Lynn submitted her material in her own voice. It’s so charming; we decided to leave it that way. Enjoy getting to know Lynn!)
I’ve been a member of Temple Beth-El for just over six years. During that time I have been involved in the temple in various ways. In the past, I was an active member of the Youth Culture Committee. Currently, I am the chairwoman of the Membership Committee. Growing up, I was also highly engaged in temple life and Judaism, including involvement with my temple’s youth group/JFTY, Mitzvah Corp, Kutz Camp, and Hillel.
Professionally, my background is in finance and accounting. I have my CPA and CMA. About three years ago, I switched career paths and am now involved in patient solutions at Johnson & Johnson. This field includes different support programs to help patient start and stay on their prescribed therapy. With my new career direction, I am able to help people every day, which is much more rewarding than finance.
I’ve been married to my husband, Brian, for 11 years and we have two wonderful, energetic boys, David, six, and Jacob, three, who have been attending temple since birth. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling. If anyone needs information on Disney, I’m your woman!
Originally published in the November-December 2016 issue of the Shofar. For more issues of the Shofar, visit the Shofar archives.
