Untitled Document

ARON AND SUSAN AIN TO BE HONORED AT SEAS THE DREAM
By Sandie Bernstein

Engaging others in community is a way of life for Aron and Susan Ain, this year’s honorees for Jewish Family Service of Metrowest’s annual SEAS THE DREAM gala to be held at the Sheraton Hotel in Framingham on Sunday, April 29. All that the Ains do in life reflects their commitment to Tikkun Olam, to bring hope and healing to the world by inspiring others to come along for the ride. Susan and Aron are a team who echo each other’s words. “It is a strong community like JFS/MW that defines who we are.”

Aron was born in the small village of Sea Cliff, NY on Long Island where his elementary school was in the same building that his father attended high school in the 1930’s. He has followed his parents’ example. They were also honored for their “serial volunteerism” as Aron calls it. From them he learned that busy people can find the time. He first followed in their footsteps when he became a Big Brother in high school. As his dad said, “volunteer work is my business and my business is my hobby.”

As one of the first woman graduates of Columbia Law School, Aron’s mother was an accomplished attorney who practiced law well into her 80’s and was admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States at the age of 78. The family’s devotion to his mother, who died at the end of January, reflects the exemplary life she led, committed to her family, profession and community.

Going straight to work at Kronos upon graduation, Aron is leading the company almost 30 years later and still makes time early in the morning and in the evenings after work to pursue his many community activities with the Boards and key committees of Jewish Family Service Metrowest, the American Technion Society and Combined Jewish Philanthropies. His enthusiasm for all is exemplified by his statement about being a member of the CJP Jewish Boston 2020 strategic planning committee. “It is actually fun to plan the future with such smart, committed individuals.”

Aron flourishes in his direct service as a JFS/MW friendly visitor with Malcolm, who himself became a Friendly Visitor at age 80. “Malcolm has taught me kindness, humility, and a positive outlook on life despite having obstacles that aren’t always easy. It keeps me grounded in my life. You can get caught up being the C.E.O. of a half-billion-dollar software company.”

“Volunteerism is just being part of something that gives back. People ask me, ‘How do you have time to do that?’ And I say, ‘If you want to do it, you can make the time. Never procrastinate. That’s the key.’ ”

	Jewish Family Service of Metrowest strengthening lives, building community		475 Franklin St., Suite 101 Framingham, MA 01702-6265 (508) 875-3100 · fax (508) 875-4373 info@jfsmw.org · TTY (508) 875-0615

ARON AND SUSAN AIN TO BE HONORED AT SEAS THE DREAM By Sandie Bernstein Engaging others in community is a way of life for Aron and Susan Ain, this year’s honorees for Jewish Family Service of Metrowest’s annual SEAS THE DREAM gala to be held at the Sheraton Hotel in Framingham on Sunday, April 29. All that the Ains do in life reflects their commitment to Tikkun Olam, to bring hope and healing to the world by inspiring others to come along for the ride. Susan and Aron are a team who echo each other’s words. “It is a strong community like JFS/MW that defines who we are.” Aron was born in the small village of Sea Cliff, NY on Long Island where his elementary school was in the same building that his father attended high school in the 1930’s. He has followed his parents’ example. They were also honored for their “serial volunteerism” as Aron calls it. From them he learned that busy people can find the time. He first followed in their footsteps when he became a Big Brother in high school. As his dad said, “volunteer work is my business and my business is my hobby.” As one of the first woman graduates of Columbia Law School, Aron’s mother was an accomplished attorney who practiced law well into her 80’s and was admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States at the age of 78. The family’s devotion to his mother, who died at the end of January, reflects the exemplary life she led, committed to her family, profession and community. Going straight to work at Kronos upon graduation, Aron is leading the company almost 30 years later and still makes time early in the morning and in the evenings after work to pursue his many community activities with the Boards and key committees of Jewish Family Service Metrowest, the American Technion Society and Combined Jewish Philanthropies. His enthusiasm for all is exemplified by his statement about being a member of the CJP Jewish Boston 2020 strategic planning committee. “It is actually fun to plan the future with such smart, committed individuals.” Aron flourishes in his direct service as a JFS/MW friendly visitor with Malcolm, who himself became a Friendly Visitor at age 80. “Malcolm has taught me kindness, humility, and a positive outlook on life despite having obstacles that aren’t always easy. It keeps me grounded in my life. You can get caught up being the C.E.O. of a half-billion-dollar software company.” “Volunteerism is just being part of something that gives back. People ask me, ‘How do you have time to do that?’ And I say, ‘If you want to do it, you can make the time. Never procrastinate. That’s the key.’ ”		Susan’s adult volunteerism began in the Holliston synagogue, Beth Torah, and moved into wider community. Reading the Jewish Reporter one day, she called Renee Finn, Founder of the Metrowest Jewish Day School, and proactively got involved when it was only a dream. Now, as President of the Metrowest Day School, she is on the Board of the Bureau of Jewish Education and the Board of Trustees of Hebrew College where after studying with Me’ah, she began a Masters Program of Jewish Studies. In addition, she is expanding her own Jewish education supplemented by summers studying at Pardes in Jerusalem. Complementing her activities in the realm of Jewish education, Susan was instrumental in the beginnings of the JFS/MW Kesher program with staff members Malka Young and Martha Bass when they began outreach to residents of assisted living facilities. Susan’s other great joy is music, specifically playing the violin, which she has little time for now. However, she has enjoyed watching her daughters, Danielle and Hillary’s musical pursuits through the study of violin and cello respectively. Hillary, who wants to become a doctor, loves sports and has been enriched by playing cello at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge and the Rivers School in Weston. Danielle is now active at Hamilton College where she is delighted to be involved on the board of Hillel “doing something really Jewish.” She spent her vacation last spring going to Mississippi to help rebuild after Katrina. Starting at the top, the Hillel contingent rebuilt the roof on several homes. Sharing his children’s devotion to Camp Young Judaea, Aron is also the co-chair of CJP’s Commission on Jewish Continuity and Education which has a focus on formal and informal Jewish education including the successful CJP Camping Initiative. As a family, they have traveled extensively to some 30 countries, including Israel (many times), as well as Africa, Jordan and Turkey. Aron sums up his belief in a recent New York Times interview. “I’m a big believer that you learn from those around you; that other people who do this type of work demonstrate through their actions and produce results you want to participate in. I have also found that the things I do today make a difference not only in the lives of those who need help but also with my friends, my family, my kids, my siblings, my colleagues. It inspires them while it inspires me.” It becomes wholly apparent why Susan and Aron Ain hold JFS/MW close to their hearts. Thus the SEAS THE DREAM honor is significant for them because above all, it models Jewish values, Family love and commitment and Service to community. The Ain family has seized the dream. Carol Chudnofsky and Judi Raphael invite you to attend an “Adventure in Paradise” at the 17th SEAS THE DREAM. You will enjoy its amazing samplings from the finest restaurateurs in an atmosphere of music, camaraderie and celebration of this remarkable agency and Susan and Aron Ain. For tickets and further information, call JFS/MW at 508-875-3100. Our website is www.jfsmw.org.