Leaders and Administrators

Abe Golos - Spiritual Leader

The Golos family has been involved with Congregation Shomray Hadath virtually since the beginning. Abe’s individual involvement with CSH started in 1957 which is also the year he returned to Elmira to practice law. As his business grew so did his commitment to CSH. Abe has served in many capacities as well as worn several different hats. He started his association with the ritual committee which he still continues to this day and has held the position of President for two separate terms. Abe also served on or chaired the Rabbi Search Committee for the last 37 years. Abe has been very involved with Chevra Kadish (חברה קדיש), ("holy society") for over thirty years and today he chairs that committee. In 2006 CSH found itself without a Rabbi and we knew that the only person to turn to was Abe Golos. Abe accepted the honored position as Religious Leader of CSH and most members feel that he serves as good if not better than many Rabbis of our distinguished past. Abe’s connection with many of our past Rabbi’s has been very helpful in administering Halakha (הלכה‎) for the continued existence of Judaism in the Twin Tiers.

David Siskin - President

The Siskin family has also been involved with Congregation Shomray Hadath virtually since the beginning. David’s individual involvement with CSH started in 1969 which is also the year he returned to Elmira after attempting a career in Theatre. David turned to local theatre, radio, and television and eventually worked for Corning Incorporated and stayed for 33 years. As an on again off again attendee of services David only assisted with a few committees. In 1983 CSH was looking for more involvement with the congregants in several areas of the High Holiday Services and David was asked to blow (שופר‎) Shofar for (ראש השנה‎) Rosh Hashanah. Consequently David became the official Ba'al Tekiah (The Master of the Blast) for CSH and he currently continues this tradition. In 1996 David was asked to blow shofar for Jerusalem 3000 Celebration at Park Church and at Dunn Field. Upon his retirement from Corning, David was then requested to serve on the house committee and eventually the Board of Trustees. After just two years on the board David was chosen to be President. David feels his previous education in Theatre has helped him become a more active attendee by using his musical training to give a real chazzanut feel to some of the High Holiday Services.