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Name: David S. Glass

Occupation: History teacher at Parsippany High School, teaching U.S. History

Address: Springfield

Family: Married nine years to Lisa Harris Glass, the regional director of for the New Jersey Region of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism with two children: Carolyn, 13, and Jonah, 7. Sister Audrey Napchen works for the Women's Division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County and is married to Joel Napchen, a manager for Home Depot. They live in Edison with their daughter Lindsay and son Matthew. Brother Mark Glass a housepainter is married to Sheera. They live in Hoboken with their daughter Samantha. Parents Harry and Francine Glass live in Monroe.

Community activities: First term as president of Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael in Springfield, nine-year member of Temple's Board of Trustees and executive vice president of executive committee. USY advisor for last eight years for Pine Brook Jewish Center and the combined chapter of Av Shalom with Beth El congregations in South Orange. High School Advisor to E.R.A.S.E (Ending Racism and Sexism in Education) Club, also represents Parsippany High School for the past five years in Diversity Council at Kean University.

Hobbies: "Camping, boating, and enjoying lots of different kinds of music on my iPod."

Self-portrait: "I'm diplomatic, open minded, and friendly. I've always seen myself as a community leader in the Jewish community. I'm very dedicated to it and see it as a calling for me."

Motto: "Pay attention to detail." "It's something that I've learned to live by in my adult life."

Greatest accomplishment: "The time I was in the Navy (during Desert Storm) in 1987 and a member of a rescue firemen team for my ship the USS Stark when the ship was hit by Iraqi planes. After you've been tested by fire you learn that there is nothing you can't do. It was a defining moment in my life. When I left the Navy, I went to Montclair University while working full-time. Then graduated cum laude and got a job as a history teacher."

Bad habits: "I can be impatient, but as I get older I find it easier to hold back."

Favorite TV program: "The Deadliest Catch."

Favorite food: "Pizza."

Best childhood memory: "I grew up in the synagogue -- Congregation Beth-El in Edison. My father was president, my mother was with the Sisterhood, and now I still hear my father's voice as I daven, even though he's now in Monroe."

People don't know that I... "Served in the U.S. Navy from 1986 to 1995. I really liked the service."

Last book I read: "1776," by David McCullough.

Biggest asset in the local Jewish Community:"The many individual synagogues with open doors making available the many resources that the synagogue and federation provides. We structured our synagogue to be a welcoming and caring place where we want to share your joy and help you with your sorrow. If people would join us, we would be there for them."

Biggest problem in the local Jewish community: "Apathy. When you are president of the synagogue, you want to get people involved, because that makes the synagogue stronger."

If I had more time I would... "Finish my master's degree. One day I'd like to complete the 18 credits I have."