Meet Our March Family of the Month: Jean Tepper

I live alone in San Francisco, but my family is spread across the world. My two stepdaughters, Connie and Susi, live in Port Townsend, Washington. They both attended Brandeis Hillel Day School and CBS Religious School. My sons, Sam and Max, are in Wellington, New Zealand, and Los Angeles, respectively, and both celebrated their Bar Mitzvahs at Beth Sholom.

My Connection to Beth Sholom

I grew up in a Reform synagogue in Elberon, New Jersey, and first visited CBS before I even met my husband. A friend invited me to Erev Rosh Hashanah services, and I remember sitting in the balcony as a guest. Little did I know that a few years later, CBS would become my spiritual home. My late husband, Melvin Segal, and I were married in February 1973 by Rabbi Saul White in the Beth Sholom Chapel. From that moment on, CBS became a central part of our lives. We attended services regularly, and Melvin served as President from 1983 to 1985. Over time, Melvin lovingly "converted" me to Conservative Judaism, deepening my connection to the community.

My favorite Beth Sholom Event

I especially love the High Holiday services, with Neilah on Yom Kippur being my favorite moment.

My favorite Holiday & Food Traditions

Pesach holds a special place in my heart. Our family Seders always included a secret tradition started by my husband. What is it? You’ll have to join us at a Seder to find out!

What My Family Loves Most About Beth Sholom is our community—it’s at the heart of everything.

My Jewish ‘Superpower’ is showing up. Being there for others, just as they have been there for me.

My Hopes for Beth Sholom: I hope to help Beth Sholom remain the vibrant, welcoming Jewish community that it is.