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Name: Lee Livingston

Occupation: Real estate developer of residential and commercial homes.

Address: East Brunswick

Family: Married more than 40 years to Elaine (Lany), an interior designer and rescuer of abused horses. They have two sons: Eli, a sculptor and special effects artist who lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn; and Jed, a doctorate of psychology student at Yeshiva University. He lives in Fort Green, Brooklyn.

Community activities: In the second year of a three-year term as president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County. Treasurer and long-time member of the Jewish Social Service Committee of New Brunswick and Highland Park; board member of the Anti-Defamation League; board member of the Wilf Campus Foundation; past president of Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple of New Brunswick.

Hobbies: Reading books, listening to jazz, playing golf and cooking.

Self-portrait: "I wake every day with an appreciation of where I am in my life. My family brings great joy to me. Being able to do the work in the community is a privilege."

Motto:"No problem ever gets better by putting off dealing with it."

Bad habits: "A single malt scotch and a good cigar."

Favorite TV: "'Seinfield,' now in re-runs."

Best childhood memory: "We lived with my grandparents on the fourth floor in Washington Heights (177th St.). At least twice a week my grandmother would feed homeless men in our kitchen. I would come home from school and a man or two men would be eating at the kitchen table. We did not have very much, but there was always the lesson of sharing and helping others. I wish my grandmother had lived long enough for me to ask how the men knew to come to our home."

People don't know that I… "...never plan to retire."

Last book I read: " 'Endgame 1945,' by David Stafford. It's a history detailing the weeks immediately before and after VE Day."

The biggest asset in the local Jewish communities: "There are so many multi-generational families in this community who have passed down the commitments of giving, volunteering, and leadership. We see it in the synagogues, at federation, and the other Jewish institutions in the community. They have set and example for all of us."

The biggest problem in the local Jewish communities: ""It is too easy for too many in this community to be a Jew. Our challenge is how to engage those who are not affiliated, who fly under the radar, and who need to be challenged as to their responsibilities as a Jew. Having a corned beef sandwich at the deli doesn't make you a member of the Jewish community. Too many are eager to avoid their responsibility."

If I had more time, I would… "I would do more of what I am doing now."