Irving Pregozen, honored as "Volunteer of the Year" by Ner Tamid synagogue of Poway, on April 29, 2006, is deemed a Mensch (note the capital "M") by all who know him. Irving's dimunitive stature belies his power and stamina as Ner Tamid's ever-present grounds and building manager. His soft, gentle voice conceals his strong tenor in the Ner Tamid Intergenerational Choir. His quiet manner seems to contradict his pride in sharing with Ner Tamid's religious school students his exciting stories of serving in Israel's 1948 War of Liberation and helping to start a kibbutz. His octogenarian status makes people shake their heads disbelievingly at his energetic stints as a bingo worker, to raise funds so that future generations can enjoy the Ner Tamid community that he calls "home." The list of his acts of giving goes on and on, and Irving continually surprises those who benefit from his volunteerism.

 

As the synagogue's president, David Cohen, stated from the bimah during Shabbat morning services on the 29th, "He is living proof that age is not an impediment to anything.  He’s clever, he’s multi-talented, he’s persistent and consistent.  He comes with a smile and does what he says he will do.  He can be counted on time and again in things large and small, as well as coming to virtually every service, except when he accompanies his daughter’s family to their shul." His daughter's family accompanied him this time, enjoying the praise lavished on Irving during the subsequent luncheon in his honor. The luncheon was prepared by Ner Tamid's caterer, Carole Leblang (who also happens to be last year's "Volunteer of the Year"). 

 

Irving's true surprise about receiving the award speaks volumes about his humility as well as his reason for helping his community as much as he does: "This is my family," Irving explained, with a characteristic twinkle in his eyes
                                                                                                        —Susan Lipson, VP of Youth Programs, Ner Tamid Synagogue