Sharon and Mark Twersky have been a devoted part of our Great Neck Synagogue family from the moment they moved to the community in 1981. Over the years they have both been actively involved in service to the shul and community.
Mark grew up in Brooklyn and is an alumnus of Baruch College. He owned and operated a wholesale jewelry firm in NYC for 30 years and then accepted the position of Executive Director of GNS in July of 2000.
Mark has always integrated himself into a variety of volunteer opportunities in Great Neck. He served on the executive board of the NSHA as corresponding secretary and vice-president. At GNS, Mark served as Vice-president and Gabbai. He was also a member of Cantorial search committees, Assistant Rabbi search committees, Professional Staff search committee, Seating committee, Yom Kippur Appeal committee, Journal committee and Couples Club. Before and during his time as Executive director, Mark has always been sensitive to the needs of our members and has been committed to making the Great Neck Synagogue run smoothly.
Sharon grew up in Flushing and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a Master’s Degree in Education from Queens College. After retiring from a career as a math teacher at the Department of Education, she decided to work at Yeshiva Har Torah where she continued to inspire the next generation of students to share her passion for mathematics.
Sharon taught in the NSHA After School Clubs Program. She also served on the board of the Shalhevet Chapter of AMIT Women for many years and later became its President. Her focus has always been to plan events that foster cohesiveness and grow the community, leading her to serve on the GNS Membership Committee and become Co-President of the Couples Club.
The Twersky’s care and devotion shines through in their wonderful family; Daniel and Jen Twersky (Ella and Isaac), Evan and Tamar Twersky (Zalman, Ephraim, Chana and Deena) and Jennifer and Benji Gertelman (Brielle, Drake and Roy).
We are thankful for all that Sharon and Mark have done for the Great Neck Synagogue and are proud to have them as Guests of Honor.
Erran and Lisa Kagan met in New York City, got married and moved to Great Neck in 2002. They joined Great Neck Synagogue shortly thereafter where they immediately felt a strong sense of community.
Erran Kagan was born in Tel Aviv, Israel and immigrated to the United States when he was one. He grew up in Searingtown, New York and graduated from SUNY Stonybrook in 1990 and from New York Law School in 1994. Erran has since built a successful career in technology and business operations. His current focus is in network technology and cyber security. Erran has been actively involved in the community, serving as a past president of the Great Neck Synagogue and as a former executive board member of North Shore Hebrew Academy.
Lisa Kagan was born in Brooklyn, New York. She grew up in Woodmere and attended HAFTR. Lisa graduated CUNY Queens College in 1998 and from Yeshiva University’s Cardozo Law School in 2000. She began her professional journey as a real estate lawyer before transitioning to her role as a real estate broker and management professional. Her deep understanding of the industry has allowed her to excel in her career, helping clients navigate the complexities of real estate transactions. Over the years, Lisa has volunteered at Great Neck Synagogue and North Shore Hebrew Academy.
Together, Erran and Lisa are the proud parents of four children: Emily, a student at Stern College at Yeshiva University, and Jacob, Miriam, and Abigail, who attend North Shore Hebrew Academy. Erran and Lisa share a passion for the Jewish causes and are active supporters of the State of Israel.
The Kagans are committed members of Great Neck Synagogue and are proud to share this honor with Michael and Leslie Kule and Mark and Sharon Twersky. They look forward to many more years of involvement in Great Neck Synagogue.
Leslie and Michael Kule have been fortunate to live in diverse places over the years, including Hong Kong, Los Angeles and Israel (Efrat and more recently Ra’anana ), while maintaining their connection to Great Neck. Leslie (née Leventhal) grew up in Great Neck, surrounded by a large, multi-generational family that has been pillars of the community for decades. Michael, a city boy and Ramaz alum, was raised on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Their journey together began when they met as undergraduates at Yeshiva University.
Now, 28 years into their marriage, the Kules have become consistent and dedicated members of the Great Neck Synagogue. They are known for opening their home to groups from Israel, hosting a tisch (featuring Leslie’s award-winning cholent), and being involved in a variety of community initiatives, including volunteering for bikur cholim, delivering food during the holidays, chairing the new GNS kiddush committee post-COVID as well as chairing last year’s GNS gala dinner. Michael is a regular attendee of the daily minyan and serves as a backup gabbai for the beit midrash minyan.
Professionally, Michael founded a boutique sourcing company after spending 14 years at The Children’s Place retail stores. Leslie has worn many hats over the years, from PTA President (Silverstein Hebrew Academy) to Personal Shopper but the job she is most proud of is “Mom”. Together, they create a loving and supportive environment for their family and community, with a strong emphasis on their connection to Israel. Their greatest pride and joy are their five children: Sophie (who made Aliyah and served in the IDF for two years), Oscar, a recent YU grad and Sarah, Elijah, and Max who are all currently in high school.