One Minute With Dr. Edward and Dorothy Thompson
By Libby Barsky
September 12, 2008
Name: Dr. Edward and Dorothy Thompson
Occupation: Edward is a semi-retired dentist and Dorothy is a retired insurance claims processor and administrative assistant for Edward's dental practice
Address: Greenbriar at
Family: Married 48 years. They have a son, Stephen, a pediatric neuroontologist who teaches pediatric neurooncology and pediatric neurology at
Community activities: They are members of Temple Neve Sholom of Metuchen where Edward is a bass in the choir. Earlier, Dorothy was co-president of Neve Sholom Sisterhood. They also support Rabbi Zakliskovsky of Chabad Jewish Center, Monroe, where Edward reads Torah. They were recently elected to their second two-year term as co-presidents of Greenbriar at Whittingham Jewish Federation where they package "welcome goody bags" monthly for new Jewish tenants. They are board members of the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County and members of the Federation's Monroe Township Intercommunity Council. Edward is a member of JFGMC Israel 60 task force and serves on its 60th Anniversary Cabinet. Dorothy is a board member and former vice president of the Women's Chapter of Greenbriar Brandeis and the current vice president of membership for Alisa Chapter of Hadassah. Edward was named by the
Hobbies: Edward: golf, working out, reading, and volunteering. Dorothy: Needlepoint and baking.
Self-portrait: Edward: Sincere, hardworking, and energetic. Dorothy: Considerate of others, everything has to be organized and energetic.
Motto: Edward: "To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived is to have succeeded," Ralph Waldo Emerson. Dorothy: "Don't forget where you come from and give back to the community — to be remembered for what you did between the time you were born and died."
Greatest accomplishment: Edward: "My family." Dorothy: "Taking pride in watching my husband become as successful as he is."
Bad habits: Edward: "Over-extending myself." Dorothy: "I try do too much in a short period of time."
Favorite TV: Edward likes "CSI" and sports and Dorothy likes "ER".
Favorite food: Edward: Grilled Tuna rare. Dorothy: Kosher Chinese food.
Best childhood memory: Edward: "When I was 4 years old my parents gave me a little red fire engine that I could peddle and I had a lot of fun with it." Dorothy: "Sleeping over at my bubba's house. I loved being there. She is the reason I wanted to be called Bubba by my grandchildren."
People don't know that: Edward: "I had a mustache for 20 years. One day I decided to shave it when my hair turned gray and the mustache was dark." Dorothy: "Neve Shalom always had an annual blood drive. Five years ago we were asked to sponsor it, and I recalled how my son, Michael, had always participated in blood drives since he was a senior at Wardlaw Hartridge. Every year since then we sponsor four blood drives at Neve Shalom in memory of Michael always before a holiday. The first one of the year will be held on Sunday Sept. 14 before Rosh Hashanah."
Last book I read: "‘People of the Book,' by Geraldine Brooks about the Sarajevo Haggadah." Dorothy: "I don't read books. I listen to books usually by Danielle Steele on tape while I needlepoint."
Biggest asset in the local Jewish communities: Edward: "The Jewish Federation because it serves all the people in the community." Dorothy: "I think the biggest asset was when the two congregations one from Colonia, the other from
The biggest problem: Edward: "Not enough people are interested in Judaism or contributing to Federation to help fellow Jews." Dorothy: "People don't care. They are Jewish by birth but they don't have any background in what being Jewish is."
If I had more time: Both: "I'd devote more time to federation."