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FROM SANDRO PILLCURIMA, Building Manager
  My name is Sandro Pillcurima. I was born in Ecuador, South America and came to the United States in 1992. I became a US citizen in 1999 and have been happily married for sixteen years to the beautiful, hard-working, Ernestina Sanchez. Ernestina has worked for Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains for the past twenty-five years. We have four wonderful children, Yasmin, Jeffrey, Emmeline and Sandro Emmanuel. Yasmin is a registered nurse and Jeffrey is a White Plains police officer. Emmeline is in seventh grade and Sandro Jr. is in fifth grade.
About fifteen years ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to start working for Temple Israel Center. As I was eager to learn, I was able to develop my abilities. Joe Raboy was the Executive Director when I was first hired and he has been a mentor to me. It was Joe who encouraged me to go to school, learn more about building maintenance and further my knowledge in different aspects of my job. I went to school for three years to get my high school diploma in English. Next, I studied for three years at Westchester Boces to get my HVAC license, followed by two years at Turner Technical School in Manhattan to become a building engineer. I am currently taking computer classes in White Plains to develop my computer skills.
When I am not working at Temple Israel Center as the Building Manager, my favorite sports are martial arts, Judo and Tae Kwon Do, which I have been practicing for many years.
It has been a blessing for me and for my family to work for Temple Israel Center. It is a wonderful community and you have become my family. I share all of your values, customs and language. In Rabbi Tucker, Rabbi Goldman, Rabbi Shargel, and Cantor Mendelson, we have the best clergy who support me every day of my life. I am also grateful for the fabulous office staff, especially Miriam Massen, our Executive Director, who encourages me always.
Congratulations also to Barbara and Steve Kessler. I am very proud to share this honor and evening with such wonderful people. On behalf of my family I want say with enormous gratitude: “Thank you very much” to all of you.
Todah Rabbah!
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